Coomera Crushers Team of the Decade selections revealed
The best players to pull on the orange and black of the Coomera Crushers have been honoured by Gold Coast Bulletin rugby reporter Nic Darveniza.
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The 2010s were a decade of unrealised potential for the Coomera Crushers, who squandered an opportunity to establish themselves in first grade in 2011.
The club couldn’t make it last in the top flight but established an era of dominance in the lower grades in the years to follow.
Under the leadership of team of the decade hooker James Askew as head coach, Coomera consistently proved they were a cut above the third grade competition they languished in.
Four titles in the division from their last five attempts is a special achievement but one members know could have translated into success higher up the food chain.
The hunger to prove themselves against the region’s best has grown ravenous.
An explosive rate of growth in recent years is a sure sign that depth at the club is improving, and with it the ability to combat the GCDRU’s first grade heavyweights on their own terms from next year.
Where the 2010s were a decade of promise, particularly so in the latter half, the club’s mission must be to deliver on those promises in the 2020s.
Young prop Villi Apelu is uniquely poised to earn selection in Crushers team of the decade sides for the decade gone and the one to follow.
The opportunity to develop under fellow front row selection James Askew is a plus as Apelu continues to grow into his considerable frame.
COOMERA CRUSHERS TEAM OF THE DECADE
1. VILI APELU
A young prop with the potential to play at higher level. A dominant scrummager and a strong ball-carrier with the skill to put other players into space.
2. JAMES ASKEW
Strong leadership qualities, mobile, and strong at the breakdown. Very accurate with lineout throws and a strong scrummager.
3. GEORGE HOOPER
A devastating ball runner and strong defender. A great scrummager with a fantastic skill set for a big man
4. MARSHALL CARRINGTON
A lineout specialist, strong defender with a great skill set. Carrington often made breaks or put teammates into space.
5. WILL KARENA
One of the best lineout jumpers on the Gold Coast, capable of single-handedly defeating opposition lineouts. Gets around the park like a flanker.
6. JEREMY AYERS
Uncompromising defender who would never take a backward step. Lethal at the breakdown and a great option at the lineout.
7. ALLAN GALLOWAY
The Flying Scotsman. One of the best one-on-one tacklers at the club and a consistent threat for man of the match honours. Played over 100 games.
8. MATT WALLIS
The leader and face of the Coomera Crushers has played over 100 games. Wallis is a club legend for his leadership, strong ball-running and skills for a big man.
9. MARTYN RUSH
A bullet pass, a great rugby IQ and would usually beat the first man on attack. Club officials believe Rush has the ability to play at a higher level.
10. LINDSAY SUBRITZKY
Played his 100th game in the 2019 Grand Final. Subtrizsky proved a consistent goal kicker with a top notch rugby IQ. The playmaker’s elusive ball-carrying belied his sure tackling and defensive capabilities.
11. DANE HEREWINI
One of the Gold Coast’s most elusive runners, Herewini is exciting to watch with ball in hand because of his ability to step and beat defenders. A counter-attack specialist who returns in 2020.
12. JAMAL MCGRUER
A fast, well-built ball-carrier who always seemed to find the perfect line. A defensive expert.
13. JOSH WALKER
Another exciting player to watch, Walker’s talents took him as far as the Australian Rugby Sevens squad.
14. CARLO PUTARANUI
Lethal with the ball in hand, Putaranui was often employed as a playmaker with his ability to find space. A deadly skill set.
15. EZRA BUCKNELL
The Crushers’ counterattacking weapon. Lighting quick and solid as a last line of defence.
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