Rugby League Gold Coast Team of the Decade: Seagulls coach Nick Gleeson’s 13

Runaway Bay Seagulls coach Nick Gleeson has selected his dream 13 for the Rugby League Gold Coast team of the decade.

Runaway Bay Seagulls coach Nick Gleeson has selected his dream 13 for the Rugby League Gold Coast team of the decade.

Toughness and intelligence were factors Gleeson rated highly, while experience in the Intrust Super Cup was another commonality shared by his selections.

Eight of his 13 selections had ties to Runaway Bay.

TUGUN COACH’S TEAM OF THE DECADE

BURLEIGH COACH’S TEAM OF THE DECADE

CURRUMBIN COACH’S TEAM OF THE DECADE

SOUTHPORT COACH’S TEAM OF THE DECADE

1. JACK MACKIN – RUNAWAY BAY

2019 RAN - 2019 QLD Rangers Training - Jack MACKIN, 2019-06-28. Digital image by Scott Davis © NRL Photos

“Been to two grand finals, been a QLD Ranger, played state league, Knights U20s.

“Since he’s come to the local comp in the last three years he’s been to two grand finals and was QLD Rangers fullback.”

2. JAKE POWELL – RUNAWAY BAY

“Leading points-scorer in comp for last few years. He’s a freak.

“Woolfy wants him down at Tweed but fortunately he’s happy at the Bay.”

3. TU WHAKATIHI – SOUTHPORT TIGERS / TUGUN SEAHAWKS

“He’s won a fair few grand finals. Just a good operator.”

4. JAMIE ANDERSON – RUNAWAY BAY

Rugby League Gold Coast semi-final between Runaway Bay and Tweed Heads at Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay, on Sunday. Runaway Bay's Jamie Anderson . Picture: Jerad Wiliams

“Lost a grand final with us, won one with us, won with Burleigh in 2015.

“Played some State League, did 20s with Cronulla.

“Didn’t play last year because he was playing in France. He’s a freak, has to be in there.”

5. GUY LANSTON – BILAMBIL JETS

“He was just tough, a handful out wide and he didn’t have a bad game.

“Very similar to Jake Powell in that he scored tries not many people could score.”

6. JACE VAN DIJK – RUNAWAY BAY

“Jace has a lot of experience. He played for Canberra and in the Super League after playing as a junior at the Bay.

“He brought professionalism to the club and the competition.”

7. JIMMY POLAND – RUNAWAY BAY

Runaway Bay Rugby League Club stalwart Jimmy Poland with his dad Jim Poland, an army veteran (8/9 RAR Infantry). Picture Glenn Hampson

“Defensively he’s the best half in the comp. His good games and bad games aren’t too far in between. He’s ultra-tough and hates losing. Never has any excuses, plays because he loves it.

“Every other club wants him but he won’t go. He’s more passionate than any other bloke I’ve coached. His defence wins more games than attack but when he gets it right he’s awesome.”

8. MITCH SPACKMAN - BILAMBIL JETS

“I didn’t realise he’d been around for so long! He’s been at Bilambil for nine years and won six best and fairest’s for them, and that’s no surprise.

“Even when they’ve struggled he’s been their best player and his loyalty was rare to see.”

9. JENAN WEDDERBURN-PARRISH – RUNAWAY BAY

“He’s a junior of our club, won player of the comp in 2019 and won us a grand final the year before.

“He played state league for both Burleigh and Tweed after 20s with Cronulla. He’s all class.”

10. BRENDAN HOARE – RUNAWAY BAY

Rugby League. Southport (orange) vs, Runaway Bay at Southport Tigers. Photo of Brendan Hoare is pulled back by Chris Hodges

“Hoare is a gun, he should have been playing bigger things.

“He spent some time with Burleigh in the state league and was captain of the Gold Coast Vikings.

“He’s easily in a 1-13 of the best players this decade.”

11. ANDREW VELA – RUNAWAY BAY SEAGULLS

“He’s another guy who probably should have been playing NRL.

“He’s that good, he’s the real deal. He turns up and wins games.”

12. ROB APANUI – TUGUN SEAHAWKS / BURLEIGH BEARS

“He’s just tough. Once again, not much too him in size compared to others but he was ultra tough.

“He had to be smart too because he’s not the biggest guy, but he’s always putting his hand up for hard carries.”

13. JAY DOO - RUNAWAY BAY SEAGULLS

“He could cover a lot of spots because he was such an intelligent footballer.

“He was short and stocky but he just scores tries and he’s tough, and that’s what I look for in a player.

“He was up there with the toughest in the comp.”

MAY 02, 2004: Group 18 Tigers v Cudgen at Owen Park Southport. Tigers Jay Doo breaks tackle of Cudgens Joel Scheimer. D/i PicGlenn/Hampson - rugby league sport