Burleigh Bear Jayden Sharp and Southport Tiger Zane Harris reveal their huge turning points
A representative halfback has revealed what has inspired the rediscovery of his love of the game, while a Bear on the injury comeback has set a lofty goal. CHECK OUT ALL THE BIG PLAYS FROM RUGBY LEAGUE GOLD COAST ROUND 5>>
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With a horrid injury run at last behind him, Burleigh forward Jayden Sharp is embracing his second chance as a pivotal moment in his rugby league career.
The Bears ace had his long-term hopes thrown into chaos upon suffering a devastating blow to his right leg — tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus while fracturing his tibia in a tackle gone wrong in a trial against Tweed.
Shortly after making his comeback from an 11 month lay off, the then 19-year-old would be preparing to go under the knife again for Lisfranc surgery on his left foot.
At that stage Sharp had envisioned making a push for the NRL, and appeared destined for a Queensland Cup debut in quick time. Between the Covid-19 pandemic and his personal setbacks, he barely managed 80 minutes of football in two years.
However after overcoming some confidence concerns in his 2021 return, the bulldozing prop has been a key figure in Burleigh’s unbeaten start to this season, scoring in Sunday’s 46-18 triumph over Ormeau.
Now Sharp said he had cast aside his woes to the point where it was like they never happened, as he plotted a maiden appearance in the state league before the end of 2022.
“I want a debut for Burleigh for sure, I would love to debut for them after seeing how much they gave to me. I want to give back to them … they had no reason to look after me that well, I don’t know what it was why they looked after me,” Sharp said.
“I feel real good at the moment. Last year I was trying to get my confidence back and I could tell I wasn’t taking on the line as much.
“It was trusting the body again, that was my biggest thing. Even playing that first year in the back of my head there was always that (thought of) if you get tackled wrong how easy it (getting injured) is to happen.
“It was always there, but now I never think about it and it’s like it never happened to me. “This year I’m running and tackling a lot harder trying to push through, so I’m hoping this is the year for me.”
Sharp still walks around with what he describes as a “synthetic ligament” in his foot — something he only notices after a particularly intense training session or game.
Not that it has hindered his form, however it was given a stern test against the Shearers when a former international star took the field.
Burleigh dominated the opening 40 minutes to lead 28-0, but the injection of Issac Luke off the Ormeau bench threatened to change the context of the match.
However versatile five-eighth Matiu Stone-Dunn’s double got the defending champions back on track, with centre Conor Carey also completing his hat-trick.
Sharp said despite his side’s unbeaten start to the campaign the Bears were yet to piece together the complete performance they were searching for — something Luke highlighted, while also sending a warning to the rest of the competition.
“Obviously he’s a national player and all that, he’s been around a long time. You could tell when he got on the whole game changed,” he said.
“We tried to stop him, it was a bit hard and he’s just a great player so you can’t do much against him.
“Everyone can still improve, you look at the (Melbourne) Storm; they’re always looking to improve and they’re the best team in the comp and have been for the last 10 years.
“Every week there’s something to improve on, you can’t not improve and when you get higher up you have to be doing something.”
Burleigh Bears 46 (C Carey 3, M Stone-Dunn 2, G House, J Sharp, S Garner tries; R McKenzie-O’Brien 7 goals) def Ormeau Shearers 18 (T Arokapiti, M Fesolai, J Tutuila tries; J Rogers 3 goals)
HARRIS REVEALS MAJOR TURNING POINTS BEHIND REJUVENATE SEASON
Surrounded by such high calibre talent has brought out the best in Zane Harris’ game, but the Southport five-eighth admits it took some honest conversations to turn a team of individuals into a cohesive unit.
After trumpeting a host of marquee signings for the 2022 Rugby League Gold Coast season — headlined by former NRL stars Greg Bird, Sione Katoa and Michael Oldfield — the Tigers lost their opening two matches before going on a three-game winning run.
That streak culminated in a 34-0 shutout of Currumbin in Saturday night’s Ben Hamlet Memorial clash, with Harris pulling the strings as the rain poured down.
“At the start we didn’t gel as a team. I think a few of the boys came from everywhere changing from different clubs and there were a few egos,” Harris said.
“Everyone was on different pages, but after that game against Mudgeeraba (in round two) we came together and had a meeting and just said ‘egos aside, let’s put the team first and win this comp’.”
This season has been one of rejuvenation for Harris, who revealed there was a period he contemplated giving the game away.
After stints with in NRL systems with the Roosters and Sea Eagles, eventuating in a pre-season trial with Manly, the Covid-19 pandemic hindered the Tiger’s rise up the ranks.
Given the Gold Coast local only moved to Sydney for his rugby league pursuits, being deprived of the chance to play while state borders closed stripped him of the same passion which brought him to the cusp of first-grade.
However Harris said his shift back to Southport changed everything for him. Now, the Vikings representative halfback had gotten his second wind, as he sought to take another shot at the big time.
“I haven’t played a whole lot of footy in the last three years. During 2020 the comp got called off, 2021 I played 11 games – half in the under 20s and half in (New South Wales) Cup – then it got called off again,” Harris said.
“Being away from family was hard, so I came back here and wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it anymore and I had to look for other options. But I got lucky; I came here (to the Tigers) and found a home here.
“They presented me with a good opportunity and good things have come from it. Definitely if the right opportunity (in the NRL) came up I’d take it up again.
“Obviously a few conditions need to change in the NRL, but I would be keen to get back there and have a crack at first-grade.”
Harris’ running game has been a focal point throughout the 2022 campaign, but on Saturday night it was his kicking game and management of the contest which stood out alongside halfback Jaman Rio.
His composure in the wet conditions opened the field up for his teammates, with centre and former Newtown Jet Jaline Graham scoring a hat-trick as a result.
Greg Bird, Malachi Morgan and Folau brothers John and Eni also benefited in crossing the line, courtesy of the territory gained off the halves boots and some strong Southport defence.
Harris said while he was at the Sea Eagles, Australia and Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans took him under his wing, and now he was getting the chance to implement the lessons he took from the NRL premiership winner.
“Kicking game is his main thing, but with his game management he just seems to get the boys in the same spot. Then it opens up those channels for his kicking game,” he said.
“A kicking game comes from fourth tackle, and he seems to be putting them in the right spot of tackle four so he can get a good kick away on tackle five.
“He looked after me a little bit when I was training there, he’s a great bloke and he helped me out thoroughly. I took a lot away from being with him, he’s a great mentor.”
Southport 34 (J Graham 3, J Folau, E Folau, M Morgan, G Bird tries; Z Harris 3 goals) def Currumbin 0
REDBACKS SHOCK LADDER LEADERS
Against a Gold Coast powerhouse and the currently ladder leaders, the Mudgeeraba Redbacks announced themselves as junior title contenders.
Already in 2022 the Redbacks had proven to be a young yet determined side, evident from their round one 22-20 defeat to last year’s grand finalists, Tugun.
They would back that up to shock a star-studded Southport outfit, and now find themselves on a three-game winning run courtesy of their victory over Runaway Bay.
Led by doubles from centre Keanu Rimene and edge forward Nathan Schwass, Mudgeeraba stunned the Seagulls 28-4 to hold their place in the top four.
Mudgeeraba Redbacks 28 (K Rimene 2, N Schwass 2, D Kerr tries; K Williams 4 goals) def Runaway Bay Seagulls 4 (J To’o try)
FLYER’S TRIPLE LEADS EMPHATIC TUGUN ONSLAUGHT
At the end of what had been a lean period for the 2021 runners up, Tugun’s Malakhi Donovan thrust his side back on track.
The Seahawks winger scored a hat trick in the blue brigade’s 47-8 win over Helensvale, in what was his first game for the A-grade side — replacing former Tongan international Samiu Latu.
Fellow outside backs Zac Beecher and Tim Cassidy crossed for four-pointers of their own, as they bounced back from three straight losses and just one try in their past two outings.
For the Hornets, the running was against them before a ball could be kicked, with their previously scheduled home game moved to Tugun due to field conditions after heavy rain.
Tugun Seahawks 47 (M Donovan 3, T Cassidy, Z Beecher, J Felise, M Koellner, W Johnstone tries; M Burgess 7 goals, M Burgess field goal) def Helensvale Hornets 8 (L Joseph, name not listed tries)
‘Just speak up’: Powerful message in honour of fallen teammate
— May 6, 2022
It is a pain still so raw only one year on, but one which Brock Hamill now hopes ensure his friend’s loss will never be in vain.
The Southport Tigers and Currumbin Eagles will clash in the second annual Ben Hamlet Memorial game, 13 months on from when the concept’s namesake was laid to rest.
Hamill and his Tigers teammates and rivals alike will be out to raise awareness for mental illness after Hamlet tragically took his own life aged just 21.
Hamill said there was a palpable feeling around the Southport squad in the lead up to this contest.
From coaching staff down to the playing group they all knew there was more at stake than an ordinary contest. They were out to be part of a solution that ensures others do not suffer in silence in the same way their fallen teammate did.
“Benny was always a tough little winger when he played and he didn’t take no rubbish from other people. In our juniors — I think it was under-15s or under-16s — he was our captain, so for him to be captain and on the wing he had to be pretty tough,” Hamill said.
“He was always straight up, but also a really deep down to earth boy. I’m always talking to his brother Jack and I see Bruce (his dad) here and there. I’m always trying to keep in touch but I think they’re doing well and they’re heads are high.
“Being one year it’s a pretty special game to play and not only for me but some of the boys in the team who were close to him as well. This game is all about raising awareness for mental illness, and that’s why we’ll be going out there to do our best to do that.”
Hamill has endured his own health battles in his young life, and through his experiences he has seen rugby league evolve into a channel for discussion around mental illness awareness.
The hard-edge forward overcame testicular cancer as an 18-year-old, just as he was beginning to make an impression within the Canterbury Bulldogs’ ranks.
The way Hamill spoke at the time was that of an optimistic young man, saving his frustration for the fact he would lose his long orange locks through chemotherapy.
But Hamill said it was the support network he had around him on and off the bestowed him such an outlook.
He said the game had transformed from the bulletproof mentality of yesteryear to be an avenue to feel safe in being vulnerable, something he wished his close mate had come to realise and he hoped he could spread throughout the Gold Coast rugby league community.
“It definitely has evolved and it’s turning into a game where we can talk and speak up, rather than hide our feelings,” Hamill said.
“With my experience I was just so lucky to have such a good support around me, but I was in a mind where I knew I could speak up and talk about my feelings.
“I wish Ben knew he could’ve come out and talked to anyone. Just speak up talk to your mum and dad, there will be someone there to listen you.”
Southport will aim to win their third-straight game against the Eagles on Saturday night, as the yellow and black outfit of stars at last begin to click.
After losing their opening two rounds, former NRL guns Greg Bird, Sione Katoa and Michael Oldfield have found their stride and Hamill said it was Bird’s influence in particular that had rubbed off on him.
“He’s had a massive influence on my game. Greg Bird was one of my idols growing up and I was always watching him play for New South Wales,” Hamill said.
“He was such a physical and aggressive player, and I wanted to try and turn my game into that. Learning off him will be good this year, and hopefully many years to come.
“We definitely are better than from when we started. We are gelling together, and this game we want to win this — it means so much to us.”
If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline – 13 11 14, Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636.
KEY MATCH UPS: SOUTHPORT VS CURRUMBIN
Brock Hamill (Tigers) vs Jakob Smith (Eagles)
Two young men who proved their worth in the representative arena last week will now come to blows.
After spending a week in reserve grade, Hamill has returned to top level and impressed off the Vikings bench in the Chairman’s Challenge.
Learning off Greg Bird and being part of a forward pack guided by Sione Katoa has been a blessing for the strong running edge forward, but now he will face another young gun on the up.
Jakob Smith has been described by his Currumbin coach Matt Geyer as a student of the game, and he is learning at a rapid rate.
Originally a centre, the position he played for the Vikings, Smith will take his place opposite Hamill after it was identified in the pre-season he needed to be closer to the action, such was the punch he made with ball in hand.
Michael Oldfield (Tigers) vs Noah Croudace (Eagles)
On the Tigers side is a man who has stepped into the NRL cauldron 57 time, along with 45 appearances for the Catalans Dragons.
In the Eagles corner, a youngster who has been defined by his ability to defy his size and the experience of others to make an impact.
Southport centre Michael Oldfield has made a seamless transition into the yellow and black line up, and has forged a strong pairing with his wingmen — in particular former Rabbitohs under-20s player Malachi Morgan.
However his standing in the game will have no barring on Noah Croudace, with the Currumbin junior impressing his coach for the way in which he punched above his weight.
Croudace was in the Vikings initial 24 man squad, and while he missed out on taking the field his exposure to that environment will no doubt have him hungry to get one over his more fancied rival.
KEY MATCH UPS: HELENSVALE VS TUGUN
Liam Clark (Hornets) vs Matthew Koellner (Seahawks)
Two representative forwards will battle in out in the middle of the field.
Liam Clark came off the bench for the Vikings as part of the team’s mentality to blend the mobility of its starting pack. He did so emphatically, as he along with Southport’s Denzal Ngati added plenty of size and power to the Gold Coast's unbeaten carnival.
Seahawks middle man Matthew Koellner was in the same boat, providing the same no nonsense approach which garnered which earned him a Tweed Seagulls debut.
Should the two come together in the middle, it will be a case of which style wins out — Clark’s aggression, or Koellner’s unflappable nature.
Stellan Arthurs (Hornets) vs Tim Cassidy (Seahawks)
Tugun coach Clint Berands earlier in the season labelled Tim Cassidy the best centre in the competition.
It will make for a tough challenge for Helensvale’s Stellan Arthurs, who each outing has refused to take a backwards step even in defeat.
In his side’s last outing against Runaway Bay, the young centre scored a try at the death in what was a 40-4 blowout. It has been a theme of his season, and that same resolve will be crucial in clawing the Hornets back into the winner’s circle.
For Cassidy, it will be about providing the attacking spark to bounce back from a tough loss to Currumbin.
In what was a defensive grind of a contest, the Seahawks were outmuscled in a 4-0 loss, a game which had no tries to speak of.
An attacking threat like Cassidy will be out to rewrite the course of their season and prove they are still an juggernaut of the competition.
KEY MATCH UPS: MUDGEERABA VS RUNAWAY BAY
Kyle Williams (Redbacks) vs Tyler Han (Seagulls)
He sat out the Vikings series as the birth of his first child neared, and now Kyle Williams will be out to prove he is fresh and firing.
The Redbacks fullback has been lauded by coach Martin Griese already this year for being the calming influence needed in a team of young men, making an immediate impression since returning to the side in round two.
But he will have an ambitious young fullback in the other corner vying for the limelight. Seagulls custodian Tyler Han is striving to earn a Queensland Cup debut for the Papua New Guina Hunters, and as the Gold Coast competition’s leading point scorer (28) is ticking all the right boxes. Coincidentally, it is Williams (26) who he has pipped at the post for that mantle.
Blessed with fleet footwork and an ability to create magic out of nothing, Han’s pizzazz against Williams’ composure will be a brilliant yin vs. yang battle.
Zeb Taia (Redbacks) vs Darcy Sims (Seagulls)
Darcy Sims has cemented himself in Runaway Bay folklore — a premiership winner and recognisable hardman of the Seagulls forward pack.
But despite the years behind him, Zeb Taia looms as one of his greatest adversaries.
Sims seemingly has a mortgage of one of the Runaway Bay edges, however rarely would he have come up against a man with Taia’s backing in the game.
The Mudgeeraba skipper and new recruit has more than 300 first-grade appearances to his name, and that experience has been pivotal in the Redbacks 2-1 start to the campaign — their sole defeat a two-point nailbiter against Tugun.
Runaway Bay, meanwhile, sit atop of the ladder with an extra game up their sleeve. Even in their one loss this year — against Southport — Sims found a way to barge over to score.
Each have plenty of experience ready to pass onto their teammates. Whether or not these two clash on the field, expect the contest to be the match of the round.
KEY MATCH UPS: BURLEIGH VS ORMEAU
Reece McKenzie-O’Brien (Bears) vs Issac Luke (Shearers)
While there is an experienced dummy-half sitting on the bench, Reece McKenzie-O’Brien will now get the chance to showcase his talents against one of the best hookers of the modern era.
Burleigh’s typical number nine, Jordan Scott, will come off the bench after playing both of the Vikings contests in last week’s Chairman’s Challenge.
It gives McKenzie-O’Brien the opportunity to push for a return to the starting side, after beginning the season at five-eighth before moving to the interchange utility role for Queensland Cup utility Matiu Stone-Dunn.
To make an impression, however, he will face off against Issac Luke, a man who has achieved more at the highest level than most.
With Luke pulling the strings Ormeau have proven they can score points, with the exception of their last clash against Mudgeeraba.
And it is off the ball where Luke will need to inspire greater resolve.
In losses to Runaway Bay and the Redbacks the Shearers conceded a whopping 74 points, and Luke’s guidance through the middle of the park will need to be at its best against the defending champions.
Matiu Stone-Dunn (Bears) vs Jack Rogers (Ormeau)
While Matiu Stone-Dunn will be out to impress QCup coach Rick Stone in a bid to add further caps to his bank, Jack Rogers will be looking to show Burleigh what they’ve missed.
At 27, Stone-Dunn has established himself as a handy utility, playing in the halves, fullback and wing at various stages.
Thus far the former Mackay Cutter has played just two games for the Bears' top side — one off the bench in their loss to Tweed, and a solid 120 running metre effort on the flank against Townsville.
But now in the halves, he will be tasked with guiding the side against Rogers.
The Ormeau five-eighth will be eager to cast aside the horror show of last round, during which the Redbacks put them to the sword in a 44-0 romping.
Nevertheless he still finds himself third in the competition for points scored. Now, the former Bear will be determined to cause a boilover against the heavyweights.
Vikings’ top players: Halves rediscover ‘love for the game’, final play steals show
There is no luck involved when Queille Murray snuffles an intercept and streaks down the field to score. According to Gold Coast Vikings coach Wayne Forbes, it is simply one of the many “weapons he has in his arsenal”.
Murray’s long range effort in the final 90 seconds of play returned the Chairman's Challenge championship to the Glitter Strip, with the Runaway Bay winger’s instincts to shut down an attacking passage by Brisbane proving a masterstroke.
It sealed an 18-12 triumph on Sunday, following up on their 40-12 victory against Ipswich the day before, and was all the more impressive given the injury cloud that hung over him.
The 23-year-old Murray has been training alongside the Tweed Seagulls throughout the season, striving for a Queensland Cup berth among a strong group of outside backs.
However based on his performances for the Vikings, Forbes believed the youngster had all the makings of a man capable of thriving at the next level.
He said Murray’s ability to identify an intercept opportunity removed any risk from the play, and it was that game-breaking x-factor that should have him on the cusp of higher honours.
“It’s certainly one of the weapons he has in his arsenal, it’s not the first time he’s gone for the intercept to score an 80m try,” Forbes said.
“He certainly has a knack for it, I think he might’ve had two or three goes early on and the one that stuck is the one that counted.
“I think he’s built to be a winger; he’s got the speed, he’s got the height and he has got that instinctive flare and a bit of x-factor about him.
“The first he was a bit quiet, but then he got more involved. He had a bit of sternum concern in the first game and had trouble breathing, but it fixed itself overnight.
“I think our one through to 18 have the ability to step up to the next level, and Queille is definitely one of those. Now it’s being patient, waiting of that opportunity and taking it.”
The Vikings are now set to play Townsville for the state title, on the back of the North Queensland sides victory in the Foley Shield.
It is a side brimming with QCup experience, with veteran Shaun Nona and former New Zealand Warrior Sione Lousi at the forefront of the squad.
However Forbes has a rejuvenated halves pairing of his own to lean on.
Both halfback Zane Harris and five-eighth Keanu Te Kiri have shone for Southport and Tugun respectively, and each stood tall across the weekend.
Forbes said after the two men experienced the rigours of NRL systems they admittedly lost their love for the game, but now were playing with a palpable vigour once again.
“It’s been great to have Zane on board, he’ a young man but he’s also got a lot of leadership qualities in him. With a lot of footy players, because it’s so intense and there’s lots of training, then work and Cup there a lot going on,” he said.
“You have to stay in love with the game, and it’s quite easy to lose that interest, but he has that passion back this year.
“I think Keanu was one of our best throughout the weekend, and he certainly was in similar boat — he lost a bit of love for the game. He was in the NRL system and lost a bit of love for it, but now he’s lost a bit of weight and is back to his best form.”
While the Vikings will be without Levi Norton, who will be in New Zealand, Forbes backed prop Joe Duffy to set the standard when they meet their heavyweight rivals.
The Burleigh Bear has only just arrived on the Gold Coast from Orange, and after his two-try performance against Ipswich Forbes believed a Queensland Cup shot was not too far away.
“I think the big standout was Joe Duffy, getting a double in the first game and his ability to win every contest and find his front was a credit to him,” he said.
“He’s quality, I’m certain he’ll get his crack.”
Team Analysis: 15 new faces in Vikings Chairman’s Challenge side
Tugun’s Zac Beecher has completed a rapid transformation as a fullback, having been named to take on the Gold Coast Vikings number one jumper.
While Mudgeeraba custodian Kyle Williams withdrew from the squad due to family commitments, Vikings coach Wayne Forbes said it was not circumstance which bestowed the Seahawk the jersey.
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A former Gold Coast Mal Meninga Cup player, Beecher has returned home from his time living in Ballina with a vengeance, finishing third last year for tries before making the shift to fullback this season.
Since making the jump the rookie fullback has been working alongside Paul Sheedy at Tugun, and while Forbes said he was not privy to what they had been finetuning together there was little doubt it had accelerated his rise to the Vikings.
“With Zac it’s his enthusiasm, he’s young and just wants to be involved and loves his footy,’ Forbes said.
“Certainty he’s considered a pretty well rounded fullback. He’s not a big stature, he gets low to the ground but he has the speed and toughness.”
Key to Forbes’ selection policy for this weekend’s Chairman’s Cup carnival has been picking a versatile side capable of covering numerous positions.
With the final side of 18 now locked in, the coach said it was crucial to ensure that contingency plans were in place for any injuries which occurred in the two games in as many days.
Centre Kody Parsons has pulled out of the squad for family reasons, opening the door for Currumbin edge forward Jakob Smith to return to the backline role he grew up in.
Eagles hooker Tyler Creecy will also earn a debut as one of 15 new faces in the unit.
“I think people can’t just rest on past performances, we needed to pick a side with limited time, so it needed to be on form,” Forbes said.
“On our side, we only have three players returning; we’ve got new blood that are keen. The boys are gelling really well, they’re proud to be a Viking and to represent the Gold Coast.
“We’ve haven’t had any new additions to the squad, but some positional changes within the squad. It hasn’t weakened the squad at all, it’s just a credit to the versatility of the players we had available to us.
“Most of the squad are actually rugby league gold coast juniors. It wasn’t something I wanted to tick off, but it was certainly a consideration after they put their blood, sweat and tears into the local competition.”
WINGERS — JOSH BUKOWSKI (MUDGEERABA), QUEILLE MURRAY (RUNAWAY BAY)
A pair of exceptional finishers who will be eager to capitalise on their chances.
Josh Bukowski made an impression in front of Vikings selectors in the Gold Coast competition’s round one gala day, scoring with an acrobatic finish in the corner to keep the Redbacks alive against Tugun.
He has continued on with that form, scoring in his next two games for Mudgeeraba.
Queille Murray, meanwhile, will be out to use the chance to impress as a launchpad into selection calculations for the Tweed Seagulls.
The flyer has trained with the Queensland Cup squad throughout 2022, however faces a stiff task cracking into a side featuring the likes of Jojo Fifita and rising star Brent Barnes.
A dominant carnival this weekend, on the back of a strong return from a series of niggling injuries for Runaway Bay, could be the catalyst for a Seagulls debut.
CENTRES — JAKOB SMITH (CURRUMBIN), SHERWIN TANABI (HELENSVALE)
While both men are currently lining up in the back row for their clubs, Jakob Smith and Sherwin Tanabi will make a return to the positions they previously assumed in the centres.
For Smith, who Currumbin coach Matt Geyer described as a “student of the game”, it is the chance to mark his rise through the Eagles ranks.
“He came to us as a centre, he has a bit of toe but he’s probably caught in between where he had enough speed but not electric speed, and not enough size to be in the backrow. — he’s right in the middle,” Geyer said.
“He’s really smart with how to prepare for a game physically and mentally. His prep is second to none, he gets into the zone and likes playing that physical brand of rugby league.”
Forbes said the ability of Smith and Tanabi to cover a range of positions aided their cause in entering the Vikings fold.
“Originally (Smith) was playing in the centres, and Sherwin was there as well. They’ve only converted recently to the edge, so there’s no real loss being put in the centres,” he said.
“I think they’re just athletes, so I think it doesn’t matter (where they play).”
HALVES — KEANU TE KIRI (TUGUN), ZANE HARRIS (SOUTHPORT)
Fresh off earning a trial game with the Manly Sea Eagles, Zane Harris has continued to make an impression in the Gold Coast competition.
Now he has the chance to showcase his credentials once again in steering the Vikings around the park.
The Southport halfback has been partnered with Tugun five-eighth Keanu Te Kiri, and both have showcased their ability to run the ball and engage a defensive line.
Harris’ round one efforts against Burleigh caught Forbes’ eye, particularly for the way he took the challenge head on to score a tough individual try.
Te Kiri meanwhile has been a key cog for the Seahawks, and his frame has made him tough for rivals to defend against when he opts to go himself.
Both will be on the lookout for second phase opportunities courtesy of a forward pack Forbes said had been largely selected for its mobility.
SECOND ROW — BLAKE CAMPBELL (BURLEIGH), LOCHLYN SHELDON (BURELEIGH), BRANDON RUSSELL (SOUTHPORT)
A surpring leader on the Rugby League Gold Coast try scorers tally, Blake Campbell will look to continue that rich vain of form.
The Burleigh edge forward is tied with Helensvale’s Barnes with four tries for the season, headlined by his double last week against the Hornets.
On the other side of the field will be his Bears teammate Lochlyn Sheldon, who Forbes confirmed would be part of a three-man leadership team as opposed to a captain being named.
Brandon Russell will take the number 13 jumper at lock, who will come in on a high after making his Queensland Cup debut for Tweed last week against Towsnville.
Running for 69m and making 22 tackles off the bench in a 35 minute display announced his rise, and now it will be time to capitalise on that momentum.
HOOKER — JORDAN SCOTT (BURLEIGH)
Backed with 38 Queensland Cup appearances for Burleigh, Jordan Scott will take his place in a leadership team for the Vikings — one which also includes Zane Harris and Lochlyn Sheldon.
The 25-year-old rake has been in strong form this season, capping it off with two tries against the Hornets last week.
Scott’s control out of the ruck and ability to give clean service to his halves will be crucial, and like his numbers six and seven he too will likely be on the hunt for any offloads his forwards offer through the middle.
According to Forbes, Scott will not only be tasked with guiding his side to wins on the weekend but also with helping ushering in the next generation coming off the pine.
PROPS — JOE DUFFY (BURLEIGH), MATTHEW KOELLNER (TUGUN)
He has had a taste of the Queensland Cup, and now Matthew Koellner has the chance to prove he is deserving of more opportunities through the Vikings set up.
While the 24-year-old typically lines up in the second row, he will start up front with Burleigh youngster Joe Duffy — who moved to the region this year to push his own state-level case.
Koellner has been a mainstay for the Tugun Seahawks, and will no doubt be hopefully of earning further cracks with the Tweed Seagulls before too long.
In his debut last year, the 24-year-old finished with 62 running metres and 20 tackles for no misses, typifying his no nonsense approach.
For Duffy, his selection marks a quickfire ascent to the representative ranks, having only just moved from Orange this year at the suggestion of former Bear Jack Buchanan.
He has cemented himself in the Burleigh starting side in the A-grade competition. Now can his form carry to the rep arena, and hopefully to the next level up?
INTERCHANGE — TYLER CREECY (CURRUMBIN), DENZAL NGATI (SOUTHPORT), LIAM CLARK (HELENSVALE), BROCK HAMILL (SOUTHPORT), LEVI NORTON (TUGUN)
Where his starting forward pack was selected for their mobility, Forbes said he went with a different tact on the bench.
He wanted men who could make an impact, players who could put dents in their rival defences under fatigue.
Young hooker Tyler Creecy will work in tandem with Scott and provide spark around the ruck, while the likes of Liam Clark and Levi Norton will be out to target tiring opponents and use their size and line running to their advantage.
Southport duo Denzal Ngati and Brock Hamill have also been named, despite both lining up in reserve grade at times this season.
However Forbes said it mattered little to him in what division the two Tigers played.
Ultimately, he said, in a side brimming with the talent of Southport quality players were going to miss out.
The reality for the Vikings coach was he knew what he would be getting out of both Ngati and Hamill.
“Denzal and Liam will be rotating up front, you’ve got Brock and Levi that will rotate on the edges and then Tyler at nine. It’s maybe not as mobile of a pack as the starting pack, but a pack that can punch some holes in a tiring defensive side,” Forbes said.
“I’ve spoken to Dowy (Tigers coach Stephen Dowd) about that and I know the background of the boys, I know they’ll step up when asked. With Southport they’ve got a star studded squad so people come back into the team, I don’t know what they’re thinking each week.
“But I have no doubts, I know Brock was called up late last year for the Vikings and I thought through the carnival he was probably one of the best.”
Originally published as Burleigh Bear Jayden Sharp and Southport Tiger Zane Harris reveal their huge turning points
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