Ranking Gold Coast Rugby’s Top 100 players in 2021
As a new Gold Coast rugby season prepares to begin, we have delved into the record books and form guide to determine who the top 100 players are. Discover where each play is ranked right here.
Local Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
As a new Gold Coast rugby season prepares to begin, we have delved into the record books and form guide to determine who the top 100 players are. Discover where each play is ranked right here.
IN 2021 the Bulletin attended around 40 Gold Coast District Rugby Union clashes across first, second and third grade, with our fingers on the pulse of a further 70 matches through live updates from our network of club contacts.
I’ll make a big call: no one on Gold Coast rugby has watched as many different players or as closely as the Bulletin did in 2021.
When Bulletin sports editor Tom Boswell issued the challenge to rank the best 100 players I’d seen this season I put my pen to paper and came up with this list.
25. Kieran van Brecht
Helensvale lock
Kieran van Brecht was ruled out for the season in round six but was good enough to secure a team of the mid-season nomination. He was a complete package at lock and will make a major difference to the Hoggies when the Tasmanian returns in 2022.
24. Mike Aliifaalogo
PBC prop
Palm Beach Currumbin’s captain tore his Achilles tendon in round four and his absence was the toughest to endure in Gold Coast rugby. In just one-third of the season Aliifaalogo had already shown he was ready to fight for the honour of the Gold Coast’s top prop.
23. Sai Bakata
PBC winger
Bakata came within a whisker of taking the 2021 scoring title only to fall second. His eight tries in the final four matches were a dominant display of finishing ability, with speed and footwork that left defenders clutching at air more often than not.
22. Ethan Lolesio
PBC flyhalf
The head of PBC’s three-headed playmaking axis with JJ Sheung-Fuk and Lachie Stewart, Lolesio shone brightest in mid-season when a dominant forward pack allowed his superb passing abilities to rise to the fire. There was no better cut-out passer in Gold Coast rugby this season.
21. Frank Watson
PBC prop
When captain Mike Aliifaalogo went down injured early in the Gators season it was Frank Watson who stepped up to lead the front row unit. PBC were rarely beaten at scrumtime and Watson made his impact in general play as well.
20. Scott Stokes
Helensvale halfback
This year’s captain of the year has transitioned from being the cheeky youngster on Helensvale’s roster to an even cheekier elder statesmen at 27. His game management took pressure off flyhalf Keahn Tipu to allow him to run with Stokes the team’s great organiser. He scored four tries and kicked 71 points in 13 games.
19. Kerrod Martorella
Colleges lock
Still the premier lock in Gold Coast rugby. Martorella has set the pace at the position for nearly a decade in this competition and now has his third grand final trophy to show for it.
18. Lausii Taliauli
Helensvale centre
In five games for Helensvale Lausii Taliauli scored six tries, helping Helensvale to a 4-1 record. When the former Brumby was available for selection Helensvale averaged 44 points per game in attack and conceded 17. In eight games without him: 29 points for and 24 against.
17. Tyrell Forbes
Coomera centre/wing
The Coomera Crushers scored 32 tries this season. Winger Tyrell Forbes was responsible for 11 of them, scoring more tries than Coomera’s next three best scorers combined. The Darwin import finished third for tries in the position.
16. Lepau Feau
Bond flyhalf/centre
It was a polished debut season for the Bond Pirates playmaker. He flashed every skill required from the No.10 jersey, scoring five tries - second-most for the position - and kicking 19 conversions and four penalties. His firm tackling saw him picked in the Cyclones No.12 jersey.
15. Will Bird
Nerang fullback
If you were down by a try in final play you need players who can beat a man and sprint clear for the matchwinner. Scoring tries from long distance has become Bird’s calling card.
14. Connor Kennedy
Colleges fullback
After missing the start of the season with suspension and injury woes Kennedy settled into position at the back like he’d missed no time at all. Unflappable under pressure, Kennedy was a decisive factor in College’s third grand final win.
13. Blake Griffin
Colleges winger
Griffin’s 15 tries led the league for the sixth straight season. Most impressively this year was Griffin’s ability to create for himself as well as finish off opportunities. His driving kicks into the 22m looked harmless until his dogged kick chase forced errors and net gains by the dozen.
12. Cody Blackhurst
Colleges hooker
Blackhurst arrived at Colleges having played elite club rugby with Wests and Norths in Brisbane and Gordon in Sydney. Fears the Knights would not be able to replace the aging Wayde Scott were short-lived as Blackhurst quickly established himself as the Gold Coast’s best hooker.
11. Cam Dodd
Colleges halfback
When people discuss the ultimate field general halfback they discuss Cameron Dodd. The former Auckland schoolboy was metronomic from the ruckbase for Colleges while also showing off a clean pair of heels, running in seven tries, the most of any No.9.
10. Josefa Lalabalavu
Bond centre
One of the competition’s most exciting backline attackers. The former Currie Cup Under-20s strike man almost led Bond to break Colleges’ win streak in a man of the match performance. Few teams could handle his size and pace combination.
9. Tereina McLean
Colleges prop
At the start of this season Colleges captain Jaye Paton said his team’s biggest weapon in 2021 would be its front row. It was no joke. Tereina McLean did his best work in the heart of the competition’s top scrum while also shouldering the load of carting up the ball in midfield.
8. Rodney Pita
PBC halfback
Before getting injured Alleygators’ scrumhalf Rodney Pita had scored six tries in seven games. The Tongan sparkplug is pure electricity on a rugby pitch. Had he been matchfit and firing in the minor semi-final, PBC’s late collapse to Hogs probably doesn’t happen. One of 2021’s great what-ifs.
7. Jarrod Nyssen
Nerang flyhalf
Nyssen’s inclusion in Nerang’s backline elevated the team despite falling short of back-to-back grand final appearances. His poise and control helped harness the wild tendencies of the Bulls to make them a more balanced team and one more dangerous for it. Nyssen was Gold Coast’s leading pointscorer.
6. Keahn Tipu
Helensvale flyhalf
The Invercargill product lit up the Glitter Strip in 2021, saving his best performance to steer the Hogs into the grand final with an upset of Nerang. The comparison made at the time was to Stephen Larkham and it is a hill I will die on. Tipu’s ability to ghost through a defensive line was unparalleled.
5. Indiha Saotui-Huta
Surfers Paradise utility back
This former Palm Beach Currumbin national champion rugby league star made it look all too easy in an 12-match debut season, scoring 11 tries from flyhalf, both centres and fullback. If not for the call of professional rugby overseas Saotui-Huta had every chance to end 2021 as the competiton’s leading try-scorer.
4. Reno Gerrard
Helensvale No.8
Gerrard rose from Helensvale’s third grade team - seriously, who let that happen? - to take his rightful place as first grade’s premier wrecking ball, able to swing matches with a 10 minute burst of brutal carrying. Not yet 21, Gerrard scored nine tries to lead his team. He belongs in a higher grade than the GCDRU can offer him.
3. Tom Coombs
Nerang flanker
Colleges’ Jaye Paton went unchallenged as the competition’s best backrower until this season, when English-born Tom Coombs came close to wresting that mantle from him. Coombs was nominated for the Bob Sinclair medal and in most other years would have done enough to win it.
2. Jaye Paton
Colleges No.8
If you were given the task of starting a new club with the goal of making a grand final as quickly as possible, Colleges skipper Jaye Paton would be the first name you’d call. The veteran Premier Grader has zero weaknesses and has driven the Knights’ famous winning culture.
1. Lesi Semi
Colleges prop
THE 2021 Bob Sinclair medallist for Gold Coast rugby’s most valuable player earned that accolade beyond any shadow of a doubt. A spearhead in the competition’s top scrum and an outright weapon in the loose. At 28 his best years may still be ahead of him - a terrifying thought for opposition props.
50. Liam Cordell-Hull
Nerang hooker
One of the competition’s smallest hookers, Nerang’s Liam Cordell-Hull was a sure tackler with a strong read of the game.
49. Andrew Vatuvei
PBC lock
‘Keni’ was a powerhouse on the pitch for PBC in 2021, with his return to the team after missing the early season coinciding with the Gators’ surge in form.
48. Scott Sutherland
Nerang centre
The old man of Nerang’s backline showed no signs of slowing down this year. Putting the ball in the right places on the field and reliable everywhere else.
47. Elliot Aisthorpe
Helensvaleprop
Weighing in at 155 kilograms, Roma-born prop Elliot Aisthorpe packed a serious punch in the Hogs front row. His ability to play big minutes when called to was particularly impressive.
46. Tom Bird
Nerang centre
The Bulls had the best depth in the No.12 and No.13 jerseys on the Gold Coast and Tom Bird remains the pick of the bunch. On his day Bird can rival any centre in the competition in class.
45. Tim Koiatu
Helensvale centre
Last year’s Hogs flyhalf moved one jersey wider this season, where his size was used to full effect in a thunder and lightning inside backs combination with Keahn Tipu.
44. Caleb Kingi
Colleges flanker
A hard-tackling breakdown menace. Kingi did all the dirty work for Colleges in their second undefeated season in succession and was rewarded with Gold Coast Cyclones selection.
43. Jamian Iroa
PBC centre
One of the top recruits of 2021. The former Cook Islands Rugby League international was a damaging runner in the outside channels with the skills to push the tough offloads. One of the Coast’s best goalkickers to boot.
42. Kenny Hemopo
Colleges centre
Something of an unsung hero for the champions. Hemopo consolidated his starting position in mid-season but was undroppable down the stretch. At 115kg he shone brightest when snuffing out telegraphed second-man plays with a big hit.
41. James Brown
Surfers No.8
EIGHT (8) tries in 2021. Read it again – eight! The old warhorse appears to be getting better with age. After 150 first grade games for Surfers Brown continues to lead from the front.
40. Josh Edmond
Nerang winger
Nerang’s skipper vacated the No.9 jersey for Bryson Rukuwai this season and reminded everyone why he’s long been considered one of the Coast’s top outside backs. With five tries he was the second-leading tryscorer for Nerang.
39. Bryson Rukuwai
Nerang halfback
Rukuwai suffered two broken wrists in the dying weeks of last season. He returned with a vengeance, making the Nerang halfback jersey his own with strong passing and incisive sniping.
38. Logan Watene
Helensvale centre
Just 21 years old, Watene showed off his versatility in 2021 with appearances all across the backline. He settled into the No.13 jersey by season’s end and shapes to be the Hogs long-term answer in that position.
37. Kadison Graham
Colleges centre
The other half of Colleges’ power-packed centre lineup. Graham is as well-rounded as they come, presenting challenges to opposition players with his carrying, passing and strong tackling. He’s been a key part of Colleges tremendous success in recent seasons.
36. Seb Gallagher
Colleges lock
Gallager retired from the game after last year’s grand final but returned in 2021 anyway. It proved the right choice because Gallagher was again one of the competition’s premier second rowers. His grand final linebreak gallop will grow in distance with each re-telling.
35. Tyran Isaac
Nerang lock
After starting the season at No.8 Isaac moved to lock and lost none of his impact. Thundering carries and big defence were his hallmarks, with an underrated lineout presence. If you were starting a new club Isaac’s number would be one of the first called.
34. Alex Hatton
Helensvale flanker
This UK import was one of a trio of new recruits who helped define the identity of a Helensvale group that has now bid farewell to many of its 2019 premiership heroes. Hatton cut a figure like Michael Hooper with his energetic play around the field.
33. JJ Sheung-Fuk
Palm Beach Currumbin flyhalf/centre
A mid-season arrival to PBC, Sheung-Fuk started his Gators career in second grade but it couldn’t possibly last. His razor sharp skills quickly caught the attention of the Gold Coast Cyclones and forced a backline reshuffle to find him a place in the team.
32. Cass Walding
Colleges flyhalf
You’d be forgiven if you thought Walding was a little bit boring in 2021 but it was a boring like a fine swiss watch. Always taking the right decisions, moving his team closer to victory with each pass and kick. Walding helped bring out the best in those around him in his final season.
31. Bradley Plant
Bond Pirates No.8
The big Kiwi typified Bond’s resurgence into a GCDRU force this season. His eight tries put him in the top 10 for the competition while his leadership helped a young team punch well above their weight.
30. Dylan Wooster
PBC lock
Wooster left Surfers to rejoin his childhood club and was an instant improvement to the club’s lock stocks. Wooster is a seriously classy operator who wouldn’t look out of place in Bond University’s premier grade system.
29. Logo Fotofili
PBC backrow
Good judges say Fotofili was Palm Beach Currumbin’s best overall player in 2021. While I’m not ready to go that far you can see the reasoning behind it. His physicality is impressive and PBC were a better team when he was leading the charge in the forward pack.
28. Frankie Kawana
Helensvale hooker
The beloved hooker was one of the best in his position in the entire competition. Fearless in contact and technically skilled, Kawana was one of Helensvale’s top performers through 2021.
27. Corey Morris
PBC winger
‘Slippery’ well and truly earned his nickname this year for PBC. In terms of sheer elusiveness Morris was top three in the comp, helping him cross for six tries. Major brownie points for backing up for big minutes in both of PBC’s top grades.
26. E’Shae Gafa
Helensvale flanker
Gafa was one half of Helensvale’s bash bro back row combo - how is that for a rhyme! In the shadow of big Reno Gerrard, Gafa was an important cog in the competition’s highest impact loose forwards tandem. One to watch going forward.
75. Jean Bosco Paagalau
Nerang prop
A Grand Final prop in 2020, Paagalua dimensions pose a challenge to every opponent. He was not picked in first grade every week despite his talent, dropping him down this list.
74. Matiu Irwin
Nerang flanker
The veteran openside wouldn’t have looked out of place in first grade in 2021. His knack for scoring tries was nothing short of freakish. If not for the stellar play of bevy of flankers at Nerang Irwin’s performances would have demanded more minutes.
73. Caleb Saunders
Gold Coast Eagles utility
The Eagles Bob Sinclair Medal nominee of 2021 didn’t get as many chances to shine in a poor team but his talent popped with every touch. A scrumhalf by trade, Saunders spent time in the centres and outside backs as well.
72. Kyle Turei
Nerang fullback
A consistent theme here developing with Nerang’s second grade champions - many of them would have excelled in first grade at other clubs. Turei limited himself to second grade by choice to play alongside his old man and club legend Cameron. The former Downlands College standout will figure somewhere in the first grade backline next year, we have no doubt.
71. Andre Malaeulu
Coomera No.8 / wing
A player I didn’t get to take a close look at until the Gold Coast Cyclones representative weekend and I was impressed. His name had popped up in Coomera’s back row and outside backs, scoring three tries to tie for second at the club. When Cyclones weekend arrived it was easy to see why.
70. Richard Kingi
Colleges utility
A legend of Gold Coast rugby, Kingi stepped back from playing every minute of Colleges’ undefeated season by choice. He wanted to bring in new blood in preparation for his eventual retirement. In limited cameos his game management, goalkicking and skill in general play were a difference in tight games.
69. Donny Ngwun
Helensvale centre
I first caught Donny Ngwun in Helensvale’s second grade match against PBC, winning 73-10. Ngwun, short and stocky, had two physics-defying linebreaks in the opening 10 minutes that both led to tries. He became a first grade regular where he proved a reliable starter with a penchant for the exciting play.
68. Josh Whitley
Nerang outside back
Whitley’s goalkicking record was up there with the best in the competition. He was the Gold Coast’s leading pointscorer all the way to Round 12. His 17 conversions and 11 penalties ended up just behind leading pointscorers Jarrod Nyssen and Scott Stokes - despite coming mostly off the bench in the latter half of the season.
67. Tazzy Jones
Nerang flanker
The former Hog impressed in limited opportunities with his new club. He scored a memorable runaway try against Helensvale in round five that showed off his balanced bag of skills. Nerang were blessed with the richest depth of openside flankers on the Gold Coast with Jones among the best of them.
66. Hala Masila
PBC centre
The most physically destructive midfielder in Gold Coast rugby. Masila missed much of the season with injury which is the only reason he is picked so low. When he did take the field he served as a one-man pressure relief valve, fighting for metres like a rhinoceros to clear space for an exit or build momentum for the next carrier.
65. Sean Howlett
Helensvale fullback
Four games - just two in the regular season - were enough to convince the Helensvale Hogs their 17-year-old fullback was a star of the future. After starting the years with the Hog Rats U18s Howlett slotted into the Hogs main team with a man-of-the-match performance in the grand final. Poised kicking from hand and brilliant try-saving defence was his calling card.
64. Caleb Enoka
Nerang prop
The Nerang prop is on the verge of being the Gold Coast’s best prop. A big off-season shredding the extra kilos holding him back is all it would take, with damaging ball-running and underrated ball skills already weapons in his arsenal.
63. Blayne Wanoa-Commons
Colleges winger
The man from Nelson, NZ didn’t have the same tryscoring strike as his wing opposite Blake Griffin but he never set a foot wrong in 2021. Wanoa-Commons maintained Colleges’ width in attack successfully, executing his role to perfection.
62. Sau Leaaetoa
PBC hooker
The former Gold Coast Cyclone played matches at hooker and No.8 in 2021 where he was a capable leader of Palm Beach’s back. PBC had the competition’s best hooking combination in Gold Coast rugby with Leaaetoa a steadying influence off the bench in the latter season.
61. Lochie Stewart
PBC fullback
In a backline stacked with exciting backline talent it would be easy to write off Stewart as the straight-man facilitator that allowed those around him to shine but that would be a disservice, because the flyhalf-fullback had some spark about him too. Stewart would be a valuable cog in any backline in the competition.
60. Ford Mercer
PBC hooker
Took the starting job over the acting team captain Sau Leaaetoa in an expression of faith in his abilities. The pair gave PBC the best depth at hooker on the Coast in 2021.
59. Fred Fiala
PBC prop
The former Sydney standout prop stepped up to help fill the void left by the season-ending injury to captain Mike Aliifaalogo. He brought greater mobility than the man he replaced while not sacrificing scrummaging performance. Scored a ripper try in the minor semi-final.
58. Whitney Siteine
Helensvale utility forward
Last year’s Helensvale Bob Sinclair medal nominee split time between lock and prop this year. His presence was always welcomed on the field with hard charging carries helping take pressure off star No.8 Reno Gerrard to take the team forward. The former QLD Samoa rep is just as valuable to Helensvale now he’s well into his 30s.
57. David Robinson-Polky
Helensvale prop
No nonsense, no fuss - a prop’s prop. Robinson-Polky belongs in the upper echelon of front rowers on the Gold Coast.
56. Winiata Barrett
Nerang No.8
Barrett had big shoes to fill in replacing Jovi Isaac. He took his time breaking into the starting team but once in he filled the role like a natural. Perhaps even better than Barrett’s contribution to the team on the field was in securing the services of the Gold Coast’s favourite water boy Tiari O’Connor. The pair are a package deal so Nerang will work overtime to keep Barrett - and by extension, Big T - happy at the club.
55. Damien Timms
Bond fullback
Timm-buck-two is one of only a handful of players in this Bond team to have lived through the club’s darkest era on the field. Who can help but be happy to see him and veteran skipper Brad Plant enjoying success? Timmsy is a major factor in the reversal of fortunes with fleet-footed fullback play.
54. Daniel Stowers
Helensvale lock
Helensvale were rocked by the loss of star lock Keiran van Brecht to a season-ending injury earlier in the season but the emergence of workhorse lock Daniel Stowers helped mitigate that pain. The burly lock was a featured ball-carrier in the Hoggies pack.
53. Matt Monahan
Nerang lock
Beautifully balanced as a lock. Monahan was a smooth operator in tight who understood when it was time to get out of the way and let the backs have a trundle. One of the Coast’s most underrated players, in the Bulletin’s estimation.
52. Vernon Brunning
PBC flanker
A core piece of one of the Coast’s best backrow units. Brunning played all over the PBC pack with matches at lock, both flankers and No.8. That versatility was valuable in a seaosn where the Gators could only rarely field their top team together. Brunning was the everyman glue that kept the pack going strong.
51. Nela Tuivai
Coomera centre
The 120 kilogram-plus centre was the breakout star of the Gold Coast Cyclones representative weekened earlier in the year. His impact felt closer to if Samu Kerevi had been parachuted into the Cyclones trials than a little-known figure from Coomera. He was electric and carried much of that form into the regular season as well.
PART 1
100. Jordan Marshall
Surfers Paradise backrower
The experienced flanker was a capable deputy to the ageless James Brown in the Surfers Paradise back row. The pair were one of Surfers’ top assets in season 2k21.
99. Barry Ruki
Coomera Crushers fullback / scrumhalf
The goalkicking scrumhalf / fullback was a valuable utility in Coomera’s backline.
98. Doryaan Hape-Apiata
Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators backrower
The former Gold Coast Eagle was limited to only a handful of minutes in 2021 after making the switch to PBC but his impact was such that Hape-Apiata would walk into the starting team of every club on the Coast. An untimely broken hand keeping him on the sidelines is the only reason ‘Big Doorz’ rates so low.
97. Carl Gooch
Gold Coast Eagles outside back
Dr Gooch had that special something, a sense for when and where to best maximise his impact with the ball on the Eagles wing.
96. Bryce Edwards
Gold Coast Eagles halfback
The halfback-flyhalf possesses one of the better kicking boots on the Gold Coast. He was the Eagles’ leading pointscorer in 2021 by a considerable margin, earning the team the nickname ‘Gold Coast Bryces’ – much to his chagrin.
95. Bryce Chapman
Nerang Bulls centre
Chapman was one of Nerang’s key contributors to an undefeated season in second grade, linking superbly with the team’s other experienced playmakers Te Ari Mahuri inside him and Cameron Turei outside. His sharp running lines were a feature of Nerang’s game.
94. Joseph Bax
Gold Coast Eagles centre
A physical, fleet-footed centre, Bax scored the first try of the Eagles season and ended it as one of the club’s best players in a winless campaign.
93. Devontay To’a
Griffith Uni Colleges Knights backrower
The Colleges second grade No.8’s path to regular minutes in the club’s first grade backrow was blocked by the excellent Jaye Paton but To’a would have comfortably found a place in all but one or two forward packs on the GC with his violent ball-running and tackling.
92. Ivan Merli
Surfers Paradise Dolphins hooker
The Surfers Paradise hooker is one of the most fun players on the Gold Coast, all big hair and fearlessness in general player. Merli is one of those players every club would love to get their hands on.
91. Isaac Ngauamo
Griffith Uni Colleges Knights winger
The son of Colleges coach and former Tongan international Johnny Ngauamo – and sister to Australian beach volleyball star Jessyka – Isaac’s athleticism was constantly on display in Colleges’ second grade team.
90. Tana Heron
Bond Pirates utility back
The youngest first grader in Gold Coast rugby, beating out Benji Marshall’s age record set for the Tweed Baa-Baas back in 2002. Heron was deployed all over Bond’s backline this year and embraced the challenge at every turn.
89. Emasi Tuivanuavou
Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators scrumhalf
Tuivanuavou enjoyed his best match in PBC’s minor semi-final defeat to Helensvale where the scrumhalf was arguably his side’s best on field. As a replacement for Rodney Pita Tuivanuavou was able to generate plenty of momentum from the ruckbase.
88. Tai Gordon
Griffith Uni Colleges Knights outside back
The teenage Colleges fullback scored his first try in first grade in Round Nine and showed enough to prove he is a player of some promise. We’re expecting big things in 2022 with an opening available in the Knights back three.
87. Cameron Turei
Nerang Bulls centre
Nerang’s second grade skipper is 40 years old but was somehow still the Bulls focal point in attack. There is no doubt that Turei would be an upgrade at No.13 for all but a few clubs on the Coast.
86. Jonagh Gardiner
Bond Pirates centre
Gardiner earns his place on the list for his try-scoring heroics. Bond’s upset victory over Helensvale in Round 11 only became a reality when Gardiner burst through the defence to score a runaway matchwinner in the final moments. In big moments the big players step up and Gardiner’s cajones prove he is one of those.
85. Ben Nantes
Surfers Paradise Dolphins outside back
One of only three players from Surfers Paradise to score five tries or more in 2021. In a backline that chopped and changed weekly Nantes was always able to produce regardless of who was feeding him the ball.
84. Jordan Watson
Bond Pirates scrumhalf / winger
Another of Bond Pirates’ young guns, Watson was a scrumhalf by trade whose electric ball-running ability saw him picked wider on the wing often as well. His seven tries are a testament to his rugby skill.
83. Tony Bartley
Griffith Uni Colleges Knights inside back
The former Souths premier grade backline ace hung up the boots after playing in both of Colleges grand finals on Saturday, starting at No.12 for third grade before stepping up off the bench for the championship minutes in first grade. A neat package of physicality and skill.
82. Terence Delalande
Bond Pirates flanker
His teammates call him ‘Sunshine’ for his golden locks and resemblance to Remember The Titans quarterback Ronnie Bass but Delalande thrived in the dark places. A tough-tackling openside, his mobility was the key to balancing the Pirates’ hulking backrow unit.
81. Kerehama Beattie
Nerang Bulls centre
Jarrod Nyssen’s bodyguard in the Nerang inside backs. Beattie cut an intimidating figure in the No.12 jersey with a large frame and willingness to use it, battering defenders to earn quick ball or blunting opposition charges.
80. Mai Phillips
Surfers Paradise Dolphins flyhalf
A touch football star, Phillips carried the attacking burden of replacing Surfers star Indiha Saotui-Huta. The exciting flyhalf is one player every club on the Gold Coast would strive to find a place for in their matchday 23.
79. Harry Gunther
Griffith Uni Colleges Knights flanker
The youngest player in Colleges starting team at the grand final, it’s hard to pick a fault when judging Gunther’s game. The openside flanker didn’t catch the eye as often as his peers but that’s often the case with a tackling and fetching machine – and a sign of those roles performed well.
78. Andrew Gentles
Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators lock / flanker
The former Wests Bulldogs and Coomera captain switched clubs to PBC this season and added instant class to a forward pack that could only rarely put its best players on the park at once.
77. Sonny McBride
Coomera Crushers flyhalf
The Crushers flyhalf was one of the most well-balanced players at his position in the entire competition. Drop Sonny McBride into any of the contender’s line-ups and the buzz would begin to build immediately. His three tries were second-most for Coomera and his goalkicking kept the team in many games.
76. Chris Toa
Bond Pirates backrower
One of the critical recruits that transformed Pirates from competition whipping boys to a team that demanded respect. Toa’s physicality added real backbone to the Pirates pack that had sorely missed starch for years.
THIS WEEK: 75-51
NEXT WEEK: 50-26
NEXT WEEK: 25-1
Join the conversation
Field of Dreams: Gold Coast Touch’s remarkable 50th birthday
Gold Coast Touch is about to celebrate 50 years. Its base is on prime Southport development space. Here’s what the future holds.
Read more
33-month ban lifted for Gold Coast rugby star
A Gold Coast rugby union star who was slapped with a doping ban spanning two years and nine months will be eligible to play in 2025 when his suspension ends on January 19.
Read more