Helensvale Hogs flanker Tyron Jones to captain Gold Coast Cyclones

Helensvale flanker Tyron Jones has been named as captain for Gold Coast Cyclones’ first representative rugby fixture of the year on Sunday.

HELENSVALE flanker Tyron Jones has been named as captain for Gold Coast Cyclones’ first representative rugby fixture of the year on Sunday.

The Cyclones will take on NSW Far North Coast in a 2.30pm kick-off at Bienvenue Drive, with both sides able to name up to 27 players given its trial status.

Selected players will first need to get through their Gold Coast District Rugby Union duties on Saturday before coming together as one.

“Us going against each other each week, we’re not friends on the field when we’re versing each other but we’re happy to have a beer afterwards and that’s why it’s good for all of us to come together and chuck in a bit of what everyone has to offer,” Jones said.

Gold Coast Cyclones captain Tyron Jones. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The 24-year-old, who is in his third season back at his junior club the Hogs after stints with Bond University/Gold Coast Breakers and the ACT Brumbies under-20s, is liking what he is seeing in an increasingly professional Cyclones set-up.

The Cyclones have been a pet project of the GCDRU board. Co-coaches Jed Hogan and ex-Italy international Kris Burton are determined to drive a high standard with fortnightly training sessions throughout the year held at Bond University.

“All of the training programs get sent to our first grade coaches so then they have an idea of where we’re at,” Jones said.

Jones (right) in action for his Helensvale Hogs club team. Picture: Richard Gosling

“It’s definitely growing and moving in the right direction (compared) to previous years, from what I have heard anyway.”

As for Far North Coast as opponents? “They’ll be big, they’ll be tough but I think we’ll have the legs over them again.”

Cyclones squad to play Far North Coast: Jamie Walker, Frankie Kawana, Fred Fiala, Frank Watson, David Paz Robinson-Polkey, Sau Leaaetoa, Less Tawake, Dylan Wooster, Andrew Cunneen, Tyler Meredith, Azza Cook, Tyron Jones (c), Scott Moreton, Josh Havea, Scott Stokes, Kalob Maxwell, Taurean George, Karl Giles, Jarden Cairns, Sean Edwards, Bryce Catchpole, Charlie Garroch-White, Boddie Edwards.

Co-coaches: Kris Burton, Jed Hogan. Assistants: Eddie Aholelei (forwards), Richie Kingi (backs), Michael Bell (team manager), Ashley Hamilton (physio).