Queensland’s best grassroots rugby union players of 2022
From first grade veterans and fearless captains to former All Blacks, Queensland’s first grade rugby union competitions are stacked with stars. Here are 50 of the best senior grassroots players to black book for 2023. SEE THE FULL LIST
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
MEET Queensland rugby union’s finest grassroots heroes, the men with freakish skill sets, passion and heart, leading their side on footy fields across the sunshine state.
These are the part-time players who set first grade competitions alight in 2022 with their try-scoring ability, playmaking and “monster” performances.
From veterans giving back to the game to young rookies on the rise, each player has their own unique story.
From Far North Queensland down to the breeding grounds of the Gold Coast, these are 50 of Queensland’s finest first grade seniors to black book for the New Year.
SEE THE FULL LIST BELOW
JOHN VINSON (RANGERS, DARLING DOWNS)
Downs Rugby’s current open men’s representative team captain adds experience to any team he lines up in.
A tough, no-nonsense footballer who has been one of the Risdon Cup’s benchmark players for a number of years now.
No doubt he will have a similar impact on his teammates next year.
BRENDAN MORGAN (BROTHERS, TOWNSVILLE)
A famous surname in Townsville sport, Morgan’s impact on Brothers has been just as immense as his cousin Michael’s was for the North Queensland Cowboys in their wonder years.
No ball-running threat himself, Morgan’s game management and playmaking has unlocked the best in the players around him.
The dream teammate.
LEPAU FEAU (BOND PIRATES, GOLD COAST)
Versatile, elusive and enigmatic – Lepau Feau has been quick to make an impression on the Gold Coast.
The Kiwi product has been a shining light for the Pirates, covering fly-half and the centres throughout last season and representing the Cyclones at the South Queensland Championships. Feau’s instinctive game style has been a breath of fresh air since moving to the region last year, coming as a key recruit having previously represented the island nation of Niue.
Broken defensive lines be weary of his lethal late step.
WILL BIRD (NERANG BULLS, GOLD COAST)
Scoring tries and breaking the line have become plays synonymous with Will Bird.
The fullback shows up for the Bulls in attack, with his long distance efforts simply a norm of his game.
If a defender finds themselves one-on-one with the elusive number 15 they had better watch out.
MATT LIEDER (USC BARBARIANS)
A passionate player with top rugby knowledge and a motor that lets him compete at full potential no matter how big or small the task at hand is.
He’s brutal in both attack and defence and can kick goals from anywhere.
Just loves the game.
JAYE PATON (GRIFFITH UNI COLLEGES KNIGHTS, GOLD COAST)
Over a century of Premier Rugby appearances for Bond University, three Gold Coast titles as captain and the inaugural recipient of the Bob Sinclair Medal for the region’s player of the year.
Jaye Paton’s resume is a long one, and yet often it still sometimes fails to capture his importance to the Knights line up.
Colleges coach Shaun Cole praised Paton as “a weapon” on and off the ball, lauding his leadership and will to win as second to none.
Club hero.
TRISTAN BUTCHER (FRENCHVILLE)
Butcher is one on this list to keep for the little black book in 2023. A Queensland Country under-19 rep this year, he possesses all the traits required for someone in the 15 jersey. Butcher is strong in defence, confident under the high ball, has a good kicking game and is lightning fast in attack.
He is a good all around footballer.
JACK DE GUINGAND (JCU MARINERS)
Arguably the best and most accomplished rugby player on any suburban field, De Guingand is one of the few men to have won premier grade premierships in three capital cities.
He joined the Mariners in 2019, making an immediate impact as he helped lead JCU to a drought-busting premiership.
He returned to the field last season as a player/assistant coach.
TUBBY HERON (BURDEKIN)
A Queensland Country and Outback Stockmen’s representative, Heron is the inspirational leader of the rebuilding Canetoads club.
A quiet footballer, Heron lets his actions do the talking on the park. He never commits a mistake and will be welcomed back with open arms in the New Year.
TOM PAGE (MAROOCHYDORE SWANS)
A player with one of the biggest work rates, consistently performing well wherever necessary for the best interest of the team.
The big second rower is a top clubman and a great teammate to have on the inside anywhere on the field.
TOM CHRISTIE (JCU MARINERS – CAIRNS)
The scrumhalf joined JCU this season and made the deadly side’s attack even more potent.
Christie has the skill set to be a force in Brisbane, but brought his talent, voice, organisation and leadership to the Mariners, as they fed their premiership hunger.
DAVID LUI (WANDERERS – CAIRNS)
Usually a fullback, Lui made the move to open side flanker and brought his try-scoring ability with him.
While he bags plenty of tries, Lui also picks up plenty of yellow cards.
MATTHEW WRIGHT (BARRON TRINITY – CAIRNS)
Wright finished in the referees’ best and fairest poll last year while playing at No.8.
Has moved to the 7, scored a bunch of tries, and is one of the Bulls’ more consistent performers.
BEVAN REYNOLDS (MUDCRABS – CAIRNS)
Reynolds returned to Cairns as a backrower, but has the ability to play everywhere.
Before he played in Brisbane, he was an outside back, but the extra size and his ball-playing ability allows the Mudcrabs to carry a playmaker who isn’t afraid of contact if they need him in the crucial role.
MOLIA FELELEAI (SOUTHSIDE – CAIRNS)
Feleleai enjoyed one of the more remarkable returns to rugby since seriously injuring his MCL in the last games of 2019.
He returned to the field last year, and blew away his rivals to start the new season. So much so he earned selection for FNQ Thunder just a few games into his return.
Will we see a repeat of that in 2023? Southside supporters sure hope so.
ANGUS SMALL (TEACHERS WEST – TOWNSVILLE)
The future Dr Small has been the dominant prop in Townsville rugby for years. His abilities have seen him selected for Queensland Country where his all-round game has been a pillar of the Heelers pack as well as his home club.
CURTIS RAYMENT (TEACHERS WEST – TOWNSVILLE)
Rayment brings the excitement wherever he lines up in the Bulldogs backline but his preferred positions are fly half and fullback.
He attacks with flair and excels when playing off the cuff, eyes-up football. His speed and evasiveness help him get into position to make most tackles as well.
JOHNNY SALEE (NORTH WARD – TOWNSVILLE)
A North Ward A Grade standout since his 18th birthday, Salee’s strength in the Old Boys front row is only matched by the speed in which he can process the game mentally.
His combination of power and footy smarts see him cross the gainline every single carry.
SAM BRADLEY (NORTH WARD – TOWNSVILLE)
A young family cut into Bradley’s availability last season but when he took the field the lift in his teammates was immediately apparent.
The fly half has represented Queensland Country where his strong ball-running and kicking boot have been used to full effect.
MATT FANNING (BROTHERS – TOWNSVILLE)
Fanning cuts a Pierre Spies-like figure in Townsville rugby circles with an uncanny knack for finding the tryline.
Tall and athletic, this No. 8’s 80 minute engine has been the primary driver for Townsville’s top attacking team of 2022.
BRANDON LUTA (WESTERN SUBURBS – TOWNSVILLE)
A staple of the Queensland Country Heelers for years, Luta is one of the highest-impact front rowers Townsville has ever seen.
An excellent scrummager and physical ball-carrier, Luta is the unquestioned leader of the Dragons pack whether captaining or otherwise.
JESSE LOOKER (SLADE POINT SLASHERS – MACKAY)
Often one of the smallest players on the field from scrum-half, Looker is a fiery presence in a Slashers side.
He is creative with ball in hand, a fierce tackler and a ball of energy.
MIKE FILIGA (USC BARBARIANS – SUNSHINE COAST)
The ultimate excitement and flair-filled machine that breaks ankles on regular occasions.
For a smaller guy at the fullback position he is also one of the most effective defenders and communicates extremely well from the back.
KYLE HAMANNE (WYNNUM BUGS – SUNSHINE COAST)
The Bugs captain is a dynamic flanker with great leadership qualities and a high level of rugby IQ.
He’s a player that wears his heart on his sleeve and puts his body on the line week-in, week-out.
NAKOA MARCROFT (CALOUNDRA LIGHTHOUSE – SUNSHINE COAST)
An extremely talented player with the ball in hand who is great on his feet and picks his moments to the best of his abilities.
His work at inside centre makes him a true game breaker that also has a great passing game stored in his duffel bag.
MAC BURGESS (CALOUNDRA LIGHTHOUSE – SUNSHINE COAST)
The Caloundra fly half has been leading the way in attack for a handful of years now and his fast paced game style mixed in with his rugby skills is why he gets a spot on this list.
Add that to his kicking game and his speed, what really puts him above the rest is his competitive nature and his love of a tough contest.
LUKE KIMBER (USC BARBARIANS - SUNSHINE COAST)
The back-to-back Sunshine Coast best and fairest recipient and premiership winning captain will again be the driving force behind his teams success in 2023.
The powerful flanker is a menace at the ruck and provides crucial link up play in attack.
MATTY CONNOR (CABOOLTURE SNAKES – SUNSHINE COAST)
Matty is a massive presence on the field in his lock position but really comes into his own at line out time.
He compliments the rest of the pack perfectly and not many in the competition can out jump him.
JACKSON FRAWLEY (IPSWICH RANGERS – IPSWICH)
This fly half and often stand-in captain leads the team around the park.
He possesses a superb kicking game, organisational skills and strong defensive base.
MICHAEL DEBNEY (RANGERS – TOOWOOMBA)
The Rangers No. 8 is quick, fit and plays the game hard.
His work rate and skills on both sides of the ball is second to none.
WILL JACKSON (TOOWOOMBA BEARS)
Jackson’s kicking game has gotten his team out trouble on plenty of occasions over the past few seasons.
The fullback and Downs Rugby representative vice-captain is also great in defence.
ANGUS RAMSEY (USQ SAINTS – SUNSHINE COAST)
Capable of playing anywhere from the 10 to 15 spots Ramsey is the type of player every coach wants in their side.
One of the Risdon Cup’s best boots out of trouble.
CAM DODD (GRIFFITH UNI COLLEGES KNIGHTS – GOLD COAST)
With three premierships in his back pocket, halfback Cam Dodd has achieved it all on the Gold Coast.
The number nine was described by Cole as “ridiculously underrated”, who had become the best halfback in the competition for the past five years.
Blessed with great vision at the ruck and a strategic kicking game, Dodd has often proved the difference in many big games for the Knights.
DAMIEN TIMMS (BOND PIRATES – GOLD COAST)
A veteran of the Gold Coast rugby landscape, Damian Timms has still got plenty of fire power.
While often smaller than his rivals, the fullback or winger’s electric speed and character to punch well above his weight has been on show with each outing.
Even with more than 100 first-grade caps to his name he is showing no signs of wear and tear, justified by his continued representative selections in the Cyclones.
TUPUA JR SU’A (GOLD COAST EAGLES)
A newer member of the Eagles line up, Tupua Jr Su’a has floated between fullback and fly-half and made an impact in both roles.
A really impressive defensive player, it is perhaps Su’a’s natural, instinctive attacking style that has stood out – particularly in the No. 10 jumper.
AREK WERSTAK (GOLD COAST EAGLES)
The captain of the Eagles line up and a stand out in the club’s colours for years, Arek Werstak has plenty of form under his belt heading into next season.
An aggressive defender, particularly given he often gives up size to his rivals, it has been his leadership which has stood out – guiding a young team around the park with his strength on and off the ball.
ELLIOTT AISTHORPE (SURFERS PARADISE DOLPHINS – GOLD COAST)
The Roma born big man came with plenty of punch while in Helensvale Hogs colours, and that was not changed since making the move to Surfers Paradise.
The barnstorming prop plays big minutes and his sheer impact was rewarded with Cyclones representative honours.
ALBY MATHEWSON (SURFERS PARADISE DOLPHINS)
Hard to go by a former All Black.
Alby Matthewson came to the Surfers Paradise Dolphins with one of the biggest resumes in the region – with a plethora of Super Rugby caps for the Hurricanes and Western Force, as well as the likes of Toulon and Bristol.
With five Test match appearances for New Zealand to his name, Matthewson missed one round this year to line up for the Classic All Blacks in Spain, and his class was on show each time he has pulled on the Dolphins colours.
AUBRI HARMSE (GLADSTONE)
Harmse has been the backbone of Gladstone for a number of years since joining the club in 2009.
His form this year was outstanding, his vision to make the right decision to score points on point and his courage to defend in the middle outstanding.
The number nine is a specialist position that requires hard work, great ball skills and vision and Harmse possesses all of that and more.
JOSH BOLCK (FRENCHVILLE)
He’s the big man with the motor who gives 110 per cent every time he takes the field. Block has been a mainstay at Frenchville for almost a decade.
His experience is invaluable, as is his energy and enthusiasm. He gets through a mountain of work in defence and his sheer size and strength make him difficult to tackle.
BEN CUMMING (DAWSON VALLEY DROVERS)
Tall and fast, Cumming has the ability to always position himself in the right place at the right time.
He is the skipper of the Dawson Valley Drovers and leads from the front week in, week out.
He is solid as a rock under kicks and possesses a great kicking game of his own. His speed and elusiveness have also made him a prolific try scorer.
GRANT REDDIEX (DAWSON VALLEY DROVERS)
An experienced campaigner, Reddiex is a tough competitor who is always ready to dig and do the hard yards.
He is a powerful and willing ball runner who can find the gap in the opposition’s defensive line and a very reliable defender.
AIDEN REDDICLIFFE (CHARTERS TOWERS – TOWNSVILLE)
Reddicliffe returned to his childhood club after his university studies and filled in a multitude of roles across the backline since making his comeback.
With strong playmaking vision and the skills to execute it, Reddicliffe’s physicality helped him play fly half, both centres, wing and fullback in an injury-hit team.
MADI BARRIBALL (SOUTHSIDE – CAIRNS)
Barriball has been described as a “monster”, and the Southside weapon always has rivals on alert.
He’s tall, well-built, plays a strong game which makes him among the best inside centres in the competition.
Watch this space.
More Coverage
Originally published as Queensland’s best grassroots rugby union players of 2022
Join the conversation
Prickly NBL coach’s rude responses to female reporter
He is a legend in Tasmania but JackJumpers coach Scott Roth did not win any fans with his responses to respected NBL reporter Jo Healy.
Read more
‘He’s a legend’: Superstar’s long road to major milestone
Few of the Sydney Roosters big signings in recent years have had as big an impact as James Tedesco who will bring up a major milestone against Manly.
Read more