Rugby League Gold Coast Breakdown: Hopeful Papua New Guinea Hunter spearheads round 3 standouts

A leading Gold Coast coach has earmarked his fullback for a Queensland Cup debut in the near future, while the grandson of a legend stood tall for his side. TOP PLAYERS AND MOMENTS OF RLGC ROUND 3 HERE >>

Runaway Bay coach Nick Gleeson has earmarked Tyler Han for a Queensland Cup debut in the near future, as the electric fullback plots his ascent to the Papua New Guinea Hunters.

Despite still being eligible for Tweed in the Colts competition, having lined up for the, at five-eighth last year, the PNG native has pledged his allegiance to Gleeson’s Seagulls to push for a maiden Hunters appearance.

MORE GOLD COAST SPORT

Titans Next Gen: The imposing numbers from a ‘scary prospect’

Breaking down the key player battles of RLGC Round 3

‘He couldn’t be doign anymore’: Bears legend’s omission explained

Han trialled in his home nation’s colours this year after the squad relocated to the Gold Coast for season 2022, and since then has thrived moving into the number one jumper.

On Saturday night against the Hornets, his speed and finesse led to a series of linebreaks and a brilliant solo try, while he had a hand in several others and kicked six goals.

Based on his early season performances, Gleeson said Han’s rise to higher honours may not be far away.

Runaway Bay’s Tyler Han is on the cusp of a PNG debut. Pic Mike Batterham

“I've always wanted him as a fullback, I’ve finally got my hands on him,” he said after Runaway Bay’s 40-4 triumph over Helensvale.

“He had a trial game with PNG early on, and now he’s made the move here and pulled away from Tweed he’s able to dual-sign with them.

“The fact we had both the coaches watching him, they’re actually watching Tyler for the full 80 minutes so there’s always eyes on him. Things are looking good for him.

“He’s a real confidence player; first round he was really good, second round he had a few errors but he bounced back and was head and shoulder above everyone on the field.

“I don’t think he’s far off at all, but it’s hard because they have two fullbacks there at the moment who are quite good. He just has to wait his turn and be patient.”

Han’s instinctive play has benefited from the introduction of the six-again ruck infringement laws in community rugby league.

The rule change, brought into the NRL when the competition returned from its Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, was an optional inclusion last year which the Gold Coast incorporated.

Gleeson said after Runaway Bay struggled initially with the adjustments, he had redesigned how they trained to lean into the “eyes up” attacking strengths players like Han brought.

But despite the Seagulls proving clinical with the ball thus far — putting on 90 points in the opening three rounds — Gleeson said their truest test would come in their forthcoming clash with Southport.

John Folau in action for Southport Tigers. Picture by Richard Gosling

The Tigers opened their 2022 account with a 20-6 victory over Tugun, and with the likes of former NRL regulars Greg Bird, Sione Katoa, John Folau and Michael Oldfield in their ranks could pose nightmares for Runaway Bay.

However Gleeson said his squad were far from deterred by the task at hand.

“They’ve got a lot of big names, but just because you sign those types of players doesn't make you a better team,” he said.

“They will get better as the weeks go on, but our boys are more excited to play them. It’s not like they’re intimidated.

“There’s a bit of pressure on them. They’ve got to be on every game because every side wants to get at you.”

TIGERS VS SEAHAWKS: HOOKER-TURNED-HALFBACK ROARS

Southport recorded their first win of the season in dismantling Tugun, last year’s grand finalists.

But it was not the big names of the side who stood up. Rather it was a young halfback who mere months ago was plying his trade at dummy-half.

Southport’s Blake Scott has made the switch to halfback for the Tigers, and inspired his side’s victory over Tugun. Picture Glenn Hampson

Blake Scott, the grandson of South Sydney Rabbitohs legend John Sattler, has made the shift to the number seven jumper after the Tigers brought in 75-game NRL veteran Sione Katoa.

That change for the former Souths Logan Magpie reaped huge dividends on Saturday afternoon, his brace of tries inspiring the 20-6 victory over the Seahawks.

While Tugun’s typicial wrecking ball winger Samiu Latu’s try in the early minutes of the second half set up a tantalising contest, Scott’s guidance without former State of Origin star Greg Bird beside him proved crucial in opening their 2022 account.

REDBACKS VS BEARS, EAGLES VS SHEARERS:

Only half a round of local rugby league took place on the Gold Coast, as Saturday night’s wet weather caused a pair of fixtures to be postponed.

Sunday’s scheduled clashes between Mudgeeraba and Burleigh, and Currumbin and Ormeau, have been postponed to a spare weekend later in the year, as the high level of ground water on the field prevented play from proceeding.

The Rugby League Gold Coast competition will not return until April 24 due to the Easter break, with the headline act set to be the ANZAC contest between the undefeated Runaway Bay and the highly touted Southport Tigers.

All games will take place on the same day at 3pm.

Originally published as Rugby League Gold Coast Breakdown: Hopeful Papua New Guinea Hunter spearheads round 3 standouts