Griffith Uni Knights Team of the Decade selections revealed
The best players to pull on the colours of the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights this decade have been honoured by Gold Coast Bulletin rugby reporter Nic Darveniza.
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It took the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights time to find their feet in the 2010s as a period of uncertainty took its toll on the win-loss column, but when they found them the rest of the GCDRU soon knew.
Since 2013 the club has not missed a semi-final in any grade and team officials says there is no reason that should change as a new decade approaches.
The Knights have presented a strong case to be the region’s most successful club this decade, especially in first grade, with four grand final appearances in a row to close out the decade.
Winning just one in that period, in 2018 - the club’s maiden first grade premiership - is the only knock on a sublime era of dominance in local football.
The bulk of the Knights’ team of the decade selections have been drawn from the latter half of the decade as a testament to the winning culture that has infected the hallways at Griffith.
Picking a captain for this group may be the easiest selection the Bulletin makes all year.
Jaye Paton, a 100-game veteran of Bond University in Queensland’s Premier Grade competition, has brought real steel to the forward pack.
Paton’s calm demeanour and knack for blasting inroads into opposition defences has inspired teammates on countless occasions.
GOLD COAST RUGBY TEAMS OF THE DECADE:
● COOMERA: Inaugural first grade coach spearheads team of decade
● NERANG: Brothers headline Bulls team of the decade
● NEXT?: Find out 8am Thursday at goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport
Griffith Uni Knights Team of the Decade
1. SIMON BACKMAN
One of the premier scrummagers in the competition during his playing days. Transitioned from the second row into prop and made the jersey his own.
2. WAYDE SCOTT
Scott’s heart might be biggest the club has ever seen. The club and first captain never took a backwards step in 250 games and was always willing to take the tough carries.
3. TEREINA MCLEAN
A rock at scrum time and a handful to bring down every time he touched the ball. McLean has been a pillar of the Knights since returning from a Premier Grade stint with Sunnybank. The 2018 Premiership-winner is back in 2020 to try win back the trophy.
4. KERROD MARTORELLA
Arguably the finest lock the club has ever seen. The 10-year veteran has represented Cyclones and QLD Country and continues to improve with age.
5. JOSH DEN ELZEN
A country boy who never left anything in the tank. Den Elzen’s rock-solid defence and tireless work around the park set the standard within the club. Another 2018 Premiership drought-breaker.
6. JOSH LAND
The former North Queensland Cowboys junior transitioned to Rugby Union after leaving Townsville. An extremely strong ball-carrier who bullied teams with his defence. Land was a leader who was a major factor in the club’s 2016 grand final.
7. JAMES GREEN
Captained the side for many years during lean periods and then through the beginning of their success. An excellent lineout jumper, strong carrier and phenomenal leadership were Green’s greatest strengths.
8. JAYE PATON ©
Paton has been a revelation since arriving at Knights from Bond University in 2018. The flanker’s leadership was a key contributor to breaking the title drought that season and backed up to be crowned 2019’s GCDRU player of the year.
9. CAM DODD
A skilful field general whose rubgy IQ led his side to many victories. Dodd controls games with a clever kicking game and superb decision making and will return in 2020.
10. ROSS MORRISSEY
Morrissey is regarded one of the most gifted footballers the Knights had ever seen. A sniper with the kicking too from any range, a bullet pass and a capable ballrunner to boot, Morrissey remains a hugely respected player at the club. His individual brilliance in the 2016 grand final try is still talked about today.
11. BLAKE GRIFFIN
The Knights all-time leading tryscorer is most likely the top scorer for the rest of the competition as well, in this decade at least.
12. MATT BLAIR
Equally damaging at centre or wing, Blair was a centrepiece of the Knights transformation into a first grade force. Blair captained the Club through 2018 season before work commitments took him abroad.
13. TROY HOBBS
A big, strong hard-running centre who was also a brick wall in defence. Hobbs claimed best on ground in the 2018 grand final and looks set to return in 2020 after a year off.
14. TAI BOGILEVU
The former Griffith Uni student was a mainstay in the Knights first grade side while completing his studies. Bogilevu could score a try from anywhere and always popped up in the right place at the right time.
15. ADRIAN ASHTON
A veteran who never let the club down. The winger/fullback had an uncanny ability to make opponent’s miss and his swerving runs were a regular highlight of matchday.
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