Meet the Coast’s Top 10 schoolboy rugby league prospects of 2020: Part 2
COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of some school footy but that doesn’t mean the Coast’s next guns can’t be recognised. SUBSCRIBE TO READ THE WHOLE SERIES
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COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of the Queensland Schools rugby league representative calendar, denying some of the Gold Coast’s top young talents the chance to don a Queensland jumper.
That doesn’t mean they can’t be recognised.
BEST WHO NEVER MADE IT SERIES
■ Part 1: The U20s prop Titans could use right now
■ Part 2: Hard-partying Willie Mason clone ran like the wind
■ Part 3: NRL’s new era arrived too late for Tugun legend
■ Part 4: ‘He liked lawn bowls better’
The Gold Coast Bulletin rugby league team have put our brains together to find the 10 best talents on the Gold Coast schoolboy rugby league scene in 2020.
LACHLAN ADAMSON – HOOKER, KEEBRA PARK SHS CLASS OF 2020
Adamson was selected in the Queensland under-18 squad so you can only imagine he would have featured in the school equivalent side. His playmaking ability is rapidly catching up to his strong defence.
RYAN RIVETT – FIVE-EIGHTH, PALM BEACH-CURRUMBIN SHS CLASS OF 2020
Picture Alfie Langer in a bigger body. Whether Rivett reaches those illustrious heights remains to be seen but good judges have been impressed by organisational skills in the meantime. Rivett was stuck behind young Titan Toby Sexton last year but was poised to break out in 2020.
TYRONE GUNN-JAMES – LOCK, KEEBRA PARK SHS CLASS OF 2020
One of the star’s of Kirwan State High School’s Payne Cup and national title-winning side, Gunn-James has moved south to Keebra to further his football. His outstanding defence would have been a tremendous asset to Queensland selectors.
THE COMPLETE RUGBY LEAGUE GOLD COAST SAGA
1. Govt warned clubs face financial ruin under restrictions
2. In or out? Coast footy clubs decide 2020 season
3. Ormeau walks away: ‘They’re not talking the truth’
4. The heartbroken faces behind Coast footy closure
5. Battle lines drawn: ‘We can’t hide under blankets’
6. ‘It’s ridiculous’: Killer call will affect thousands
7. ‘I won’t play for free’: Coast MVP’s brave admission
8. Clubs left in darkness as decision delayed
9. What RLGC decision means for your club
10. ‘Stand together or die apart’: Club’s warning for outcasts
11. Seagulls summon players for emergency meeting
12. Incredible backflip forces more change for Coast footy
FLYNN DANIEL – EDGE, PALM BEACH-CURRUMBIN SHS CLASS OF 2020
Daniel injects chaos onto the right edge, with a potent combination of size and an ability to pick out uncomfortable running lines to stress defenders. A strong skill base contributes to a productive offloading game as well.
DAMON SOMERVILLE – CENTRE, PALM EACH-CURRUMBIN SHS CLASS OF 2020
Somerville represented the Queensland under-15s in 2018 and has only grown as a strong, dynamic ball-carrier. His agility and footwork match well with his physicality to provide a well-rounded attacking presence in the wider channels.
TREY PENI – OUTSIDE BACK, KEEBRA PARK SHS CLASS OF 2020
Peni is the incumbent Queensland Schools winger from 2019 and would have pushed for the start in the Australian team in 2020. Peni has blossomed at Keebra since making the move from Western Australia to test himself in their system.
MORE COAST LEAGUE
■ Titans face battle to keep star forward
■ Why Bilambil twin sacrificed NRL dream for brother
■ Complete voting results for RLGC Team of the Decade
HARRADYN WILSON – HALFBACK, COOMBABAH SHS CLASS OF 2021.
Short in stature but blessed with athletic gifts, Broncos-contracted Coombabah playmaker Harradyn Wilson is the only Year 11 player on our list. Coaches rave about his work ethic and the effect it’s having on his football.
KLESE HAAS – BACK ROW, KEEBA PARK SHS CLASS OF 2020
The younger brother of Payne Haas isn’t built quite the same as his Broncos star sibling but the footballing ability is just as strong. Klese is rangier, with speed and a similarly massive engine. He’s the fourth of 10 Haas children so you know he’s learned how to tackle.
XAVIER SAVAGE – OUTSIDE BACK, PALM BEACH-CURRUMBIN SHS CLASS OF 2020
The Canberra Raiders pounced on Savage not long after he set the all-time State under-16 100-metre record with a blazing 10.5. He’s an incumbent Queensland winger so would have expected to feature again in 2020.
XAVIER WILLISON – FRONT ROW, PALM BEACH-CURRUMBIN SHS CLASS OF 2020
Willison has been a dominant force on the school circuit but missed out on a Queensland jumper last year due to injury. His athleticism is remarkable for the position with endurance to match the power generated by those long legs.
GC signings hub: BMD, Hostplus and A-Grade
Gold Coast clubs are wasting no time in naming their 2025 senior men’s and women’s rugby league rosters, with one showing off a lineup decorated with former NRL names. See for yourself with our complete signings tracker:
Revealed: 120+ sports stars of the southeast
The new year looms, and athletes have already begun their prep for season 2025. From the track to the pool and everywhere in between, these are the 120+ southeast Queensland young guns you must watch and why. Full list: