Rugby League Gold Coast season preview including gains, losses, key players and predictions

After a tight tussle all last season, another gripping year awaits us in the Rugby League Gold Coast A-grade competition. Here’s everything you need to know about the contenders as they vie for 2019 glory.

AFTER a tight tussle all last season, another gripping year awaits us in the Rugby League Gold Coast A-grade competition. Here’s everything you need to know about the contenders as they vie for 2019 glory.

BILAMBIL

Last year: 7th

Gains: Bailey Faull (Tweed dual registered), Wade Hall, Kobi Hugen, Rex Johnson, PJ Tevaga.

Losses: Ben Black, Harrison Burling, Bailey Crompton, Alex Fitzugh.

Captain: Mitch Spackman

Bilambil Jets captain Mitch Spackman. Picture: Jerad Williams

Coach: Kevin Campion

Player to watch: A hooker or lock, PJ Tevaga was a welcome walk-up recruit for the Jets having previously spent time in Penrith’s under-20 system.

Prediction: With Kevin Campion instilling a tough edge to the team, expect them to be better than last year – but finals might be a stretch at this stage. 7th

BURLEIGH

Last year: 6th

Gains: Hayden Hansen, Regan Muir-Ogle, Oliver Percy, Gene Ropoama, Sam Saville, Jordan Scott, Reece Summer, Conner Toia.

Losses: Zac Akehurst, Marino Allen, Ben Fritz, Kaleb Fuimaono, Lorenzo Ma’afu, Toby McIntosh, Lochlyn Shelford, Jerome Veve, Zae Wallace.

Captain: Conner Toia

Having won the 2018 premiership with Runaway Bay, Conner Toia will lead Burleigh this year. Picture: Jerad Wiliams

Coach: Matt Foster

Player to watch: Matt Egan. The half impressed all pre-season and could very well play himself into an Intrust Super Cup promotion with some good footy.

Prediction: The young Bears squad missed the 2018 play-offs but appear to have much more depth and experience this time around. 2nd

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? TWEED’S 2018 A-GRADERS

CURRUMBIN

Last year: Preliminary finalists

Gains: Harrison Burling, Bayley Gill, Shane Gillham (Tweed dual registered), Mike Gray (Tweed dual registered), Luke Jurd (Tweed dual registered), Mike Mackinnon, Stuart Mason, Zane Millar, Jack Peacock, Liam Thompson, Harry Wecker, Mitchell Whitton.

Losses: Hayden Allsop, Blake Anderson, Michael Burgess, Steven Elliott, Blake Morrison, Dayne Weston, Reece Worboys.

Captain: Phil Ramage

Ryan Gundry with Phil Ramage. Picture: Mike Batterham

Coach: Ryan Gundry

P layer to watch: The playmaker was part of Cronulla’s under-20 squad last year and is tasked with forging an effective halves combination with Phil Ramage in Michael Burgess’ absence.

Prediction: Have lost a ton of experience but the club have savvy leaders in place who will bring the next crop of talent through this winter. 3rd

ORMEAU

Last year: 8th

Gains: Kingi Akauola, Anthony Gray, Jesse Malcolm, Blake Midson, Elijah Nicholas (Tweed dual registered), Parahi Wilson.

Losses: Shane Blow, Mohi Kendrick, Vince Mellars, Maranatha Raeli, Trent Shield, Aati Su’a, Laz Su’a, Josh Walker, Nathan Wilson.

Captain: Jesse Malcolm

Former NRL player Vince Mellars is among those who have not returned to the Shearers in 2019. Picture: Richard Gosling

Coach: Julius Kuresa

Player to watch: The Shearers have picked up Elijah Nicholas through Tweed affiliation. The rugby convert is an exciting prospect as a strike centre.

Prediction: Not only will the Shearers end their victory drought but they should contend for finals. It’s a very new group but they have an excellent pack. 5th

MALCOLM EMBRACING SHEARERS CHALLENGE

RUNAWAY BAY

Last year: Premiers

Gains: Taylor Daniels, Jack Doran, Ben Fritz, Brodie Hannon, Doryaan Hape Apiata, Zak Mitchell, Daymeric Pelo, Talor Walters (Tweed dual registered), Alan White.

Losses: Kingi Akauola, Jamie Anderson, Falani Arkell, Henry Chan-Ting, Matt Gandy, Vans Guttenbeil, Rick Koelbel, Siuatonga Likiliki, Ethan Mafi, Jesse Malcolm, Blake Midson, Conner Toia, Andrew Vela.

Captain: Tane Rapira

It is hoped Taylor Daniels will help replace departed star Andrew Vela (pictured, right) at Runaway Bay.

Coach: Nick Gleeson

Player to watch: Taylor Daniels. The second-rower has moved across from New Zealand with big wraps on him and is set to fill the substantial void left by Andrew Vela’s departure.

Prediction: Whether or not they can defend their premiership despite the loss of many stars remains to be seen but there is enough to suggest they’ll be in the mix again. 4th

SOUTHPORT

Last year: Finals week one

Gains: Kobi Annand, Liam Hampson (Tweed dual registered), Kyle Kennedy, Luke Polson (Tweed dual registered), Lee Turner (Tweed dual registered), Keb Vaetoe, Zac Walsh.

Losses: Jordan Birch, Callum Boomer, Beau Cordtz, Jonagh Gardiner, Doryaan Hape Apiata, Bronston Kennach, Hala Masila.

Captain: Tu Whakatihi

Five-eighth Kobi Annand has joined from Bilambil. Picture: Richard Gosling

Coach: Steve Dowd

Player to watch: Zac Walsh proved a matchwinner on multiple occasions for the Seahawks last year and comes to Southport with the chance to be their marquee man.

Prediction: Led by a proven coach and captain combination, the Tigers could easily be much higher come the end of year – but it’s such a tight midfield that they can’t afford any slumps. 6th

IT’S A SHAW THING AT TIGERLAND

TUGUN

Last year: Finals week two

Gains: Sam Basa, Tim Cassidy, Macauley Dawson, Jacob Grant, Josh Harvey, Rory Lillis (Tweed dual registered), Kurtis McDonald, Sam Meskell, Levi Norton, Kody Parsons (Tweed dual registered), Wyndham Peachey (Tweed dual registered), Ethan Roberts (Tweed dual registered), Isaac Worboys.

Losses: Nathanael Barnes, Shane Gillham, Anthony Gray, Kainoa Gudgeon, Ash Harrison, Savern Rapana, Zac Walsh.

Captain: Nick Harrold

Seahawks skipper Nick Harrold. Picture: Jerad Williams

Coach: Clint Barends

Player to watch: Keanu Te Kiri has long been a central figure at Boyd St. With a beefed up playmaking spine, the five-eighth may just be unleashed to guide the club back to the very top.

Prediction: Internal expectations are high at the Seahawks after a terrific off-season where they have added aces including Josh Harvey, Sam Meskell and Jacob Grant. The team to beat. 1st