Thirteen under-rated players from around the Rugby League Gold Coast competition

For every match-winner, there is the unsung hero. The Bulletin has come up with a XIII to celebrate the under-rated players in the Rugby League Gold Coast competition.

THERE are big names and proven performers scattered around the Rugby League Gold Coast competition.

But for every match-winner, there is the unsung hero that gets the job done week in, week out without attracting plaudits: Think a bloke like Ballina product Mitch Aubusson in the star-studded Sydney Roosters roster.

The Bulletin has come up with a XIII to celebrate the under-rated players around the Coast.

Bilambil Jets fullback Luke Jaeger passes the footy. Picture: Mike Donnelly

1. Luke Jaeger (Bilambil)

Jaeger is the not the game’s most skilful fullback but what you can count on is a wholehearted performance every single week. As Jets president Ben Rigney puts it, he “plays on pure guts and ticker.”

2. Jake Powell (Runaway Bay)

It’s no coincidence Powell is regularly one of the competition’s leading points scorers.

Jake Powell beats the cover defence of Currumbin’s Steven Eliott and Jakob Smith to score in finals footy last year. Picture: Glenn Hampson

An excellent finisher, he is also a goal-kicking sharpshooter, as seen by his match-winning sideline conversion against Tugun earlier this year.

3. Elijah Nicholas (Ormeau)

The rugby convert trialled with Tweed’s Intrust Super Cup squad in the pre-season and has proven a handful in Shearers colours. Nicholas is an x-factor in attack and strong in defence.

4. Brett Stratton (Burleigh)

Stratton was a welcome addition on return to the Bears this year. Talented and versatile, he can cover centre and second-row in Matt Foster’s team.

5. Corey Morris (Tugun)

The Seahawks stalwart plays above his weight and is respected around the competition. Coach Clint Barends describes him as “reliable, experienced and a true competitor.”

Tugun Seahawks player Corey Morris. Picture: Jerad Williams

6. Liam Hampson (Southport)

Hampson is part of the Tweed-Southport young brigade that Tigers mentor Steve Dowd has worked with for a little while now; primarily a hooker, Hampson has done a fine job in the halves through the opening month.

Liam Hampson during his days at Tweed Seagulls. Picture: Supplied

7. Steve Rooney (Runaway Bay)

Runaway Bay coach Nick Gleeson was delighted to have the 28-year-old back on deck this year and rightly so. Rooney brings a quality kicking game and is creative with the ball in hand.

8 . Ben Valeni (Burleigh)

There are plenty of giant, barnstorming props around the Coast; Valeni is not one of them. A lesser known name in an outstanding squad, Valeni brings work rate and impact off the bench and is a master in getting quick play the balls.

Tom Rowles during his Intrust Super Cup days at Burleigh. Picture: SMP Images/QRL Media

9. Tom Rowles (Bilambil)

Rowles has had a tough run with injuries over the years but he is back playing for his junior club now, providing Intrust Super Cup experience and assets in both attack and defence.

Mike Gray crosses for a try that was disallowed in the Eagles’ 13-4 win over Runaway Bay in Round 5. Picture: Richard Gosling

10. Mike Gray (Currumbin)

A part of Tweed’s 2018 grand final side, Gray has brought a big body to the Eagles. He is the sort of unfashionable player that will fly under the radar and do his bit.

11. Parahi Wilson (Ormeau)

The former Titans under-20 captain isn’t the flashiest player but wherever he goes, his teammates and coaches rave about his work ethic and one percenters. Helped Ormeau to a breakthrough win in his club debut.

Ormeau Shearers player Parahi Wilson. Picture: Tertius Pickard

12. Jarrod Gill (Currumbin)

Gill is a reliable, 80-minute presence on the edge for Currumbin. Coach Ryan Gundry adds: “He just plays his role and gets through his work with minimal fuss.”

Currumbin's Jarrod Gill (left). Picture: Supplied

13. Luke Polson (Southport)

An unheralded middle forward who regularly plays big minutes, including a man of the match 80-minute effort in Round 1. Polson chalks up impressive tackle counts and run metres and already has two tries in 2019.