The Bulletin counts down the Gold Coast’s best 20 rugby league players of 2018

CHECK out which players make our list at numbers 9 to 12.

FROM the growing women’s game to the strength of Rugby League Gold Coast, it’s been a season to savour on our footy fields. Every day this week the Bulletin counts down our 20 best league performers of 2018 across all levels.

12. Cheyne Whitelaw (Tweed Heads Seagulls)

Tweed Heads captain Cheyne Whitelaw.

Only managed 10 games before a knee injury ended his season but Whitelaw has rapidly become the face of the Seagulls.

Won the captaincy race despite being new to the club and battling injury in pre-season but the decision was justified, with the 23-year-old workhorse impressing on and off the park.

11. Amber Pilley (Burleigh Bears)

Amber Pilley in action for the Broncos last Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

In a Burleigh team stacked with names such as Zahara Temara, Tazmin Gray, Tallisha Harden and Rona Peters, it can be hard to grab the spotlight. However, the young centre did just that by starring all year long with her try-scoring feats complemented by her terrific defence. Deservingly has powered her way into the Broncos’ NRLW side.

10. Xavier Willison (Palm Beach Currumbin)

Xavier Willison. Picture: Richard Gosling

This kid looks to have one heck of a future in front of him. Willison was part of the NRL Schoolboy Cup national champion team, starting in the front-row at just 16 years of age. Standing at 194cm tall and tipping the scales at 102kg yet with the fitness to make districts for cross-country, it’s no surprise why the Broncos locked him in so soon.

9. Sebastian Winters-Chang (Keebra Park)

Keebra’s Sebastian Winters-Chang proved elusive in his school’s showdown with PBC. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Keebra could not quite make it to a third straight NRL Schoolboy Cup national final but that was through no fault of their ace centre. Winters-Chang was brilliant in their grudge match against PBC and earned Queensland selection at under-18 level. Definitely one to keep an eye on.