TSS, Nudgee dominate first GPS Rugby Team of the Week

THE Southport School’s First XV backline has dominated the first GPS rugby Team of the Week after thrashing Brisbane Grammar School 71-5 in the opening round. SEE WHO STARRED

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THE Southport School’s First XV backline has dominated the first GPS rugby Team of the Week after thrashing Brisbane Grammar School 71-5 in the opening round.

Nudgee College was also rewarded for a strong start against Brisbane State High, who showed their talent in the second half.

Gregory Terrace’s backrow couldn’t be left out of the side after engineering an upset win over Ipswich Grammar at Brassall while reigning champions BBC were equally inspired by openside flanker Zac Hough to stave off an upset of their own on Miskin St against Toowoomba Grammar.

GPS RUGBY TEAM OF THE WEEK #1

Front row

1. Charlie Wigan, TGS: The Toowoomba Grammar captain set a high standard for his teammates to follow against BBC. An honourable mention to State High’s Amani Leilua.

Charlie Wigan. Picture: Kevin Farmer

2. Oahu Davey-Phillips, NC: In a relatively quiet week for hookers Davey-Phillips impressed with his no-nonsense approach to taking on and taking down an enormous BSHS front row.

3. Natiana Winikerei, NC: A ball running, scrum winning front rower with good hands, Winikerei is the full package

Locks

4. Daniel Maiava, NC: The third-year Nudgee College lock helped set the platform for strong performances around him with industrious, physical play.

Nudgee College player Daniel Maiava. Picture: AAP image/John Gass

5. Stuart Tualima, BSHS: A beautifully balanced athlete who added considerably to BSHS’ recovery from a 22-nil deficit early in the match. The younger brother of two former Queensland Schoolboys in Tuaina and Victor.

Back row

6. Joe Liddy, GT: a true leader who inspires his team both with his midweek training efforts and on game day. Scored Terrace’s try in its upset over IGS.

7. Zac Hough, BBC: was clearly BBC’s best player with his energetic efforts in powering from breakdown to breakdown. He also scored a 60m try.

BBC's Zac Hough. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

8. PJ Su’a, GT: Powerhouse No.8 whose ball carries thumped his side onto the front foot against IGS.

Halves

9. Willem Johnstone, NC: Displayed excellent option taking behind the fortress of his forward pack.

10. Syris Schmidt, TSS: 7/10 goals, try assists, pulled the strings masterfully. It was Schmidt’s best First XV performance in three seasons.

TSS flyhalf Syris Schmidt. Picture: Mike Batterham

Centres

12. Kaleb Ngamanu, TSS: Ngamanu has always been a running and tackling threat but his playmaking was the star against BGS.

Kaleb Ngamanu. Picture: Mike Batterham

13. Robert Toia, NC: Strong performance from the Year 11 student capped off by brilliant solo try. Was a tower of strength, putting his winger Boyd away for countless raids as well.

Outside backs

11. Oska Boyd, NC: A pocket rocket who feasted on an early flow of possession playing outside centre Rob Toia, scoring three first half tries, and adding a fourth in the second half when he fielded a cross kick by Byron Smith.

14. Blake Raymond, TSS: Another four try winger. Raymond had plenty of work to do to score his tries with the pick of the bunch a score off a Syris Schmidt cross field bomb.

Blake Raymond. Picture: Mike Batterham

15. Jye Gray, TSS: Scored two tries, one a super sidestepping effort, and created two more. One of the most exciting players in GPS rugby this season.