Yatala Rams Team of the Decade selections revealed
The best players to pull on the colours of the Yatala Rams this decade have been honoured by Gold Coast Bulletin rugby reporter Nic Darveniza.
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The Yatala Rams have proven one of the easiest Teams of the Decades to select, if only because the junior club fielded its first team in 2017.
The Coast’s youngest rugby club was the brainchild of three generations of the Heveldt family.
Grandpa Frank, the club’s president; his daughter, Nicola Frey, the club’s secretary; and the two grandkids, Tamati and Katene Frey – both Yatala Team of the Decade selections and de facto recruitment managers for the club.
The Frey brothers will go down in history as the first Yatala Rams, and are collectively responsible for the addition of another 60 juniors who followed them to the club.
“It was Tamati and Katene that we built the teams around,” Nicola Frey said.
“Back in 2015 they’d go to school on free dress day wearing club gear before we even had a club for people to join.
“They went to school and cricket and the local markets and Christmas carols to recruit, and they are only 11 and 12.
“In 2017 we played our first game and the boys even played up age groups to fill in for teams as well as play on their own.”
The 11- and 12-year-old ‘founding fathers’ of the Yatala Rams were standout choices in the club’s inaugural team of the decade.
Yatala Rams Team of the Decade
1. Ashvin Ahuluwalia
The Under-13s front rower’s drive to bring out the best in himself and his teammates was a bright spark in the age group. Ahuluwalia’s infectious attitude on and off the field has rubbed off on his Yatala teammates well.
2. Joseph Cooper
A founding member of the club, Cooper was the 2019 Under-13s inaugural captain as well. Officials said the young hooker was a talented leader who embodied the club’s culture.
3. Christian Taanuu
One of the best props in the Rams’ young history. Taanuu was a Cyclones-calibre player who let his actions on the field do the talking. He regularly returns to the club on junior nights and mentor young players who see him as a “big hero.”
4. Bailey Johnson
The Under-13s’ resident gentle giant is known for his high attention to detail with rugby’s technical minutiae. Johnson is always striving to perfect his craft and is a great asset to the club.
5. Robert Jones
An outstanding club member. ‘RJ’s happiness and enthusiasm has helped bind together a team with diverse backgrounds into a cohesive unit despite adversity on the field.
6. Heath Tilcock
Another founding member, Tilcock’s passion for the game and for the club seems to knows no bounds. The 11-year-old school district representative flanker has memorised each member of the club and their positions across all divisions.
7. Hunter Johnston
Johnston’s humble, quiet nature stands in contrast to his physical play on the field. The openside flanker isn’t afraid to tackle the big kids and is always first to the breakdown.
8. Parys Phillips
The under-15s captain has all the leadership characteristics you could want from a captain. Coaches tip him as a potential future Super Rugby player, especially if he continues to grow. He’s already 6’1 and 100 kilograms.
9. Koby Kaiwai
A former representative rugby star in his native New Zealand, Kaiwai has begun to flourish after finding his feet at his first Australian club. Kaiwai has overcome a shy nature to become a valued and respect part of the club.
10. Suede’dan Palaamo
Playing rugby at the Rams has helped the young flyhalf overcome tragic family circumstances. Palaamo has played two years above his age group but shone with his ability to read the game and with a strong kicking boot.
11. Katene Frey
The hot-stepping winger seems destined to be a great player at older age groups but for now, the younger Frey is still learning how to play the game. The 11-year-old has a ball in his hands 24/7.
12. Tamati Frey
The elder Frey has the skills to play all over the backline and is always a standout contributor whatever team, position and age group he finds himself in. When he gets the chance to play among kids his own age coaches expect Tamati will run riot.
13. Eneliko Fiu
Fiu was arguably the best player at the club in 2019. With speed, physicality and fitness, the outside centre could do just about anything on the field. A hyper-talented prospect.
14. Fui Taito
Small in stature but huge in heart, Fui Taito plays without fear, tackling and running the ball into anyone regardless of size. Officials say the pint-sized winger has a bright future.
15. Hayden Jerry Buckley
The under-15s fullback made a name for himself as a faultless catcher under the high ball, dropping just one all season. With the ball in hand, Buckley would refuse to be tackled by the first man, often beating three or four before finally being caught.
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