GCDRU transfers hub: Hogs, Bulls come charging in 2024 roster shake-up

The 2024 GCDRU season is on the horizon and teams are well in the midst of preseason. Watch this space for updated transfer and administrative news from every club, continuing with Helensvale and Nerang:

Uni vs. Hogs. 12 August 2023 Ashmore Picture by Richard Gosling

The 2024 GCDRU season is on the horizon and teams are well in the midst of preseason. Watch this space for updated transfer and administrative news from every club, continuing with the Helensvale Hogs and Nerang Bulls.

With a new head coach in Te Ari Mahuri, the Bulls are back for a ‘third time lucky’ charge to the premiership.

Uni vs. Hogs. 12 August 2023 Ashmore Picture by Richard Gosling

In 2022 and 2023 Nerang came ever so close to the trophy, but ultimately fell short to eventual winners Griffith Uni Colleges Knights in the preliminary finals.

A plethora of gains has Mahuri eager to get the season started.

The Hogs meanwhile have sourced from interstate for the big name gains.

Konah Miller joins from Canberra while Jacob Lowde and Fraser Cox travel from Victoria.

Helensvale Hogs vs Gold Coast Eagles rugby union clash.Helensvale Player No14 Liam BurgesEagles Player NoPic Mike Batterham

Despite a few key welcomes, the Hogs have farewelled four of their 2023 players including three who are transferring to Brisbane clubs.

Keep up to date with the latest transfers, singings and more:

Griffith Uni Colleges Knights

Knights broke the ice early as the first team to reveal their 2024 gains and losses ahead of the GCDRU season, with big names leaving the club while fresh faces make their way in.

Head coach Shaun Cole is confident the new-look side will get the job done as Knights prepare to defend their four-year premiership streak.

GCDRU First Grade (Phil Temperton Cup) Grand Final. Dolphins vs. Knights. Edward Bernstein. 19 August 2023 Broadbeach Waters Picture by Richard Gosling

“This year we have recruited strongly, starting back in August to replace everyone we lost.

“Our plan was to bring good people into the club and provide a well structured program for them while also helping them off the field through work opportunities with an aim to give these players the ability to juggle their personal life and rugby life effectively to get the most out of the season,” he said.

Among those moving on are Chris French (to Toowoomba), Ed Bernstein (retiring) and Rob Ulaula (to New Zealand).

The trio, which made a huge impact in the Knights’ finals campaign in 2023, have farewelled the club on good terms.

“We have had some great players move on this off season who have served the Knights Club very proudly over many years,” Cole said.

“They all contributed heavily to our premiership successes and we wish them all nothing but the very best.”

With the pioneering side already ahead of the pack in preseason prep, rival clubs are slowly but surely following suit.

Griffith University Colleges Knights v Surfers Paradise Dolphins faced off in the 2022 GCDRU first grade grand final. Picture: Mike Batterham

In other news:

It’s been a busy pre-season already for Gold Coast District Rugby Union, having welcomed Nathan Stewart to the GCDRU board as a director and congratulated esteemed member Bruce Wright on being appointed to the Board of Queensland Country Rugby for 2024.

Wright boasts an extensive rugby journey from his playing days with the Gold Coast Eagles, Gold Coast Cyclones, and Qld Country to coaching at The Southport School.

His commitment to the sport extends to that of its growth and development in the region.

GCDRU recognised Wright’s contributing to rugby union on the Gold Coast with a facebook post that read in part: “Bruce has been a driving force behind strategic initiatives, fostering community engagement, and contributing to the success of local rugby programs.”

Two clubs have appointed new presidents for 2024 - the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights (Phil Verheijen) and Coomera Crushers (Eru Richards).

Richards moves into his new role after holding the Vice-Presidency in 2023.

Coomera will this year compete in both first and second grade after missing the latter last season, while the PBC Alleygators will make a first grade comeback and compete in first, second and third grade.

In terms of coaching changes, a majority of GCDRU clubs have opted for familiarity in 2024 as just three teams make a change.

The Helensvale Hogs have swapped their first grade head and assistant coaches with Chad Maxwell taking the former reigns, the Gold Coast Eagles welcome Syd Malietoa to the flock while the Nerang Bulls place Te Ari Mahuri in charge.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of GC Eagles, making 2024 all the more special.

Completing the early shake-ups, 2023 Bob Sinclair medallist Lachie Currie (Surfers Paradise Dolphins) has farewelled GCDRU and moved to Dalby Wheatmen Rugby Club.