Tweed coach backs players for higher honours as Rugby League Gold Coast tenure ends

THEIR final 80 minutes in the competition will be spent fighting for a premiership but for several Tweed players, it’s also an audition.

THEIR final 80 minutes in the Rugby League Gold Coast competition will be spent fighting for a premiership but for several Tweed players, the match is also an audition to push for higher honours next season.

The Seagulls’ focus will be solely on beating Runaway Bay in a bid to claim their maiden Rugby League Gold Coast title.

But coach Kevin Campion believes several of his players have the ability to be Intrust Super Cup regulars and their ability will be on show for all to see on Sunday.

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Tre Williams will play for Tweed Heads in rugby league finals this weekend. Picture Glenn Hampson

“There’s a number of kids in my squad that I’ll be asking a few clubs to have a look at – just from their ability to handle the QCup (Intrust Super Cup),” Campion said.

“There’s three or four guys that I’ll be pushing down south.”

Campion, a former Origin forward who played 241 senior games for clubs including the Gold Coast Seagulls, Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys, made his senior coaching debut this season for Tweed, guiding the club into the grand final.

And he has a high opinion of his players, several of whom he believes are capable of playing at state league level in either Queensland or NSW.

“There’s a few boys (to look out for),” Campion said.

“I’ve been pushing (for Tre Williams to play ISC) all year and he got his opportunity to debut this season, which is great.

“He’s a really classy player, he’s certainly a QCup player.

“I think Kirk Murphy is one to look out for, as well as Reece Summers and Harry Hughes.

“They’re good kids and all four of those boys could make a step up to another level and even to a higher level.”

Forme rISC regular Sam Saville will be in action for Tweed in their Rugby League Gold Coast grand final against Runaway Bay. Picture Glenn Hampson

While Campion is slightly disappointed with Tweed’s decision to pull out of the Gold Coast competition, he hopes the club’s Intrust Super Cup squad will incorporate some of his players for next season.

“I hope that Tweed have earmarked those boys to keep with the QCup squad,” he said.

“There’s a few good kids there.

“The great thing about them is they’re willing to work hard and make that step up.

“They’ve all got good ability but their work ethic – all four of them – is second to none.

“That’s what you need.”

Campion has enjoyed his time in the coach’s corner but like his side, could be on the way out.

“I thought I’d put my hand up this year just to see what it was like and I’ve really enjoyed the year,” he said.

“I’m not thinking anything further than this year, I might hang up the boots myself.

“It’s just a big commitment and as soon as you go up a level, it’s even more of a commitment, it’s semi-professional.

“But it’s been fun.”