The 2023 Gold Coast rugby union players of the season revealed
With pre-season on the horizon for many Gold Coast rugby union clubs, it’s time to look back at the year that was and uncover the region’s top stars. We reveal the top players of 2023. See them all
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With pre-season on the horizon for many gold coast rugby union clubs, it’s time to look back at the year that was and uncover the region’s top stars.
The Griffith Uni Knights may have claimed their fourth straight premiership in a nail biting overtime show, but talent lined every team in 2023.
With the help of head coaches, we reveal 13 of the best players across the grounds.
Look back: To How Knights claimed Phil temperton Cup
TOP PLAYERS OF 2023:
Henry Morris
Club: Griffith Uni Colleges Knights
Position: Hooker/Second Row
Comment: Henry was one of the most influential players in our side for 2023. Ideally he would love to be playing in the back row but being a team man put his hand up to play in the Second Row. Due to injuries and players moving abroad he knew I needed a Hooker and put his hand up for that job also and was absolutely fantastic. Didn’t miss a game all year and was a warrior for the full 100 minutes on Grand Final Day.
Jason Beeton
Club: Griffith Uni Colleges Knights
Position: Fullback
Comment: Our X Factor for several years now. Beeto is so hard to handle and if he gets in clear space or in one on one opportunities he’s impossible to stop as seen in the Semi Final when he went 75 metres to score the match winner with the last play of the game and again scoring a pivotal try a week later in the Grand Final. He’s someone I know I can rely on to deliver and inspire the boys when it's needed.
Jaye Paton
Club: Griffith Uni Colleges Knights
Position: Number 8
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.
Tyran Isaac
Club: Nerang Bulls
Position: Blindside Flanker
Tyran has been an outstanding member of the Bulls First Grade since 2019. In 2023, making the Blindside Flank his own, he continually puts his hand up for hard carries, is a lineout tyrant and seems to always be at the right place at the right time on defence. Tyran‘s excellent form this year saw him selected for the Gold Coast Cyclones and he took that opportunity in both hands to win selection into the South Coast Men’s side. In the vast majority of games he plays he is in the top 3 best on field.
Will Bird
Club: Nerang Bulls
Position: Fullback
Will Bird’s name sends shivers down the spine of his opposition and has done so since Nerang returned to First Grade in 2019. Will’s small stature is more than made up by having the biggest heart on field, and is drawing defenders or breaking the line every time he has possession of the ball. In 2022 he was the only Gold Coast man selected for the Queensland Country Healers. In 2023, Will has blossomed as Co-Captain of Nerang - leading his team by example both on field and off field.
Tevita Fifita
Club: Gold Coast Eagles
Position: Open side flanker
Tevita is one of the most hard working players on the field a Savea prototype player.
Jayden Waharoa
Club: Gold Coast Eagles
Positions: Fullback/ wing/ outside centre
Jayden is fast with quick and slippery feet. He has the skills to play across positions and is a try scoring machine.
EJ Ifopo
Club: Gold Coast Eagles
Position: Number 8
EJ is a strong and powerful player especially when running the ball.
Johna Luka
Club: Gold Coast Eagles
Position: Blindside flanker/ hooker
Johna is powerful and loves contact.
Kyan White
Club: Coomera Crushers
Position: Flanker
Another of Coomer’s young stars. He has played extraordinarily all year and is a downright genius on the field. He’s a rugby freak with the brains to back his skills, according to head coach Mika Tufuga.
Kai Wallis
Club: Coomera Crushers
Position: Number 8
A young player who plays well beyond his years. Wallis is smaller than his senior opponents but puts in 100% every game. He’s tough, tenacious and talented to say the least.
Ezekiel Stewart
Club: Helensvale Hogs
Position: Halfback
At the beginning of the season Ezekiel was a little unsure on his rugby and where he was heading with it. He decided to give it a good go this season and after a strong pre season, he was a consistent performer in the No.9 jersey for Helensvale Hogs first grade. He went on to be rewarded with selections for the senior men’s representative sides - Gold Coast Cyclones - South Coast and QLD Country. A young man with the right attitude and a great work ethic.
Tai Ford
Club: Bond Pirates
Position: Number 8
Big energetic lad, probably the best player in the comp. Leads by example both on and off the field. Always giving his time and energy to the younger lads in the squad and around the club.
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