Rugby League Gold Coast: We name the pre-season’s top performers ahead of round one
Ahead of the Gold Coast rugby league season, we chart the top trial match and pre-season performers that could tear the competition apart. Every profile here.
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Round one of the Rugby League Gold Coast season is closing in, fast.
Veteran performers have returned in top condition, while young players are primed to make their mark as they take their first steps into A-grade footy.
Discover 22 players that have been eye-catching throughout the pre-season and trial matches below.
Helensvale Hornets
Isaac Perrett
The young back-rower is returning after a year off from the game. His first hit out back came in a trial against Runaway Bay on the weekend, and he demonstrated a great workrate. Is well in the mix to crack the Hornets’ first 17.
James Pere
A front-rower, Pere is another young Helensvale player who featured in the Colts with Burleigh last year. He’s a good tough player with a big motor and displayed impressive aggression in the trial against Runaway Bay. Another youngster right in the mix to be a regular first-grade starter for Helensvale.
Tugun Seahawks
Kyle Williams
Williams has performed strongly in the Seahawks’ trials, especially his second outing against Marist Brothers Lismore, and recorded an impressive solo try. The fullback uses his pace well and is very evasive, making him a dangerous runner and potent player when he has the ball in his hands.
Kane Elgey
The former NRL Titan and Sea Eagle has returned to give back to his junior club in 2024. The half will most definitely be a player to watch, is very level-headed and kicks well. Also has great awareness on the ball and gets himself in the right position. Had his name on the scoresheet in pre-season trials.
Currumbin Eagles
Ken Allison
The veteran centre is a really strong defender and still performing strongly. Played 60 minutes and scored two tries in a trial match against Burleigh.
Kalin Rapata
The second-rower from the Ipswich Jets has played three season with the Eagles and is on the doorstep of a Hostplus Cup debut. He’s a really strong runner and has been hard to handle for a number of years now. Also a strong defender and tested Burleigh in the trial.
Jarrod Gill
The front-rower is Currumbin’s skipper and always gets through a mountain of work with little fuss. Coach Matt Geyer mused how he always refuses to leave the field and but effectively collapses when he eventually does come off. Geyer described it as an “insane” ability to push his body.
Tom Campbell
Campbell has progressed tremendously throughout the pre-season. Is playing really strong after adding on weight over the summer. Has played at lock for the Eagles in pre-season and has looked good in the middle.
Burleigh Bears
Ryan Jones
The back-rower has crossed to Burleigh from Currumbin and performed strongly throughout the pre-season in trial matches. A tough player with a big engine who has all the skills people look for in a middle.
Joe Duffy
The prop is returning to the Bears after missing all of last season with a shoulder reconstruction. Has been getting better with every match so far. Is a strong carrier of the footy and gets on the front foot.
Isaiah Latu
Latu is a player his side really gets around and someone people want in their team. He runs hard and tackles hard. There’s been talk of him progressing to Burleigh’s Hostplus Cup outfit.
Southport Tigers
Jaline Graham
The five-eighth has been outstanding for the Tigers throughout pre-season. Is a real leader, has great foot speed and his vision for the game is one of his greatest assets.
Eni Folau
Southport’s captain, and the brother of cross-code international Israel, is a workhorse who plays the game tough has once again been training the house down.
Jordan Scott
Captained Burleigh last year and has crossed to the Tigers to play with brother Blake, who also figures on this list. Is a hooker and his experience and knowledge of the game has been a great asset to Southport. Has also brought a lot of intensity to training.
Blake Scott
The acquisition of his brother Jordan has pushed Blake from hooker to half, but he is still continuing to excel. A very competitive player, he’s a perfectionist with great vision that breaks the game down well. They’re traits that have held him in good stead as he adapts to the halves.
Piki Te Ora Rogers
The forward works hard and has taken his training to another level this pre-season. He’s a hard man that plays the game tough, with lots of hit-ups and tackling, and he’s playing an important hand in assisting with the development of younger players.
Jordan Kake
Kake has had a massive pre-season with Southport and has also been captaining the Norths Mal Meninga side. The young hooker’s intensity has picked up being around experienced players, and likewise the support of new coach Greg Bird has been beneficial. His energy is a great strength.
Brody Hawkins-Malcolm
The 18-year-old centre has impressed massively throughout pre-season for the Tigers, who have lots of confidence in him. Hasn’t been overwhelmed by his opportunities, has taken tackles and made good carries.
Runaway Bay Seagulls
Doryann Hape Apiata
The front-rower has been strong in attack for the Seagulls, with his willingness to take the team forward a standout. His aggression also creates strong starts to sets for Runaway Bay.
Noah Nikotemo
The brother of the Gold Coast Titans’ Seth Nikotemo, Noah had been playing reserve-grade for Runaway Bay but is looking to take his game up a notch in 2024. As a result the front-rower has given up alcohol and is already making great strides. Has always had great ability and is really fit this season. He’s a good carrier of the ball and an honest footballer.
Kurtis Rowe
The five-eighth has been pivotal in structuring the Seahawks attack. He’s 31 years of age and previously played Queensland Cup football for Burleigh. The Runaway Bay vice-captain has a mature head on his shoulders and is guiding the developing young talent well.
Zane Lothiam
Lothiam is a versatile talent and natural hooker who has shifted to halfback. He’s taken the challenge well. A former Seagulls junior that’s returned after playing Colts footy with Souths Logan.
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