The South Queensland Sharks players to watch at 2024 National Touch League in Coffs Harbour
A mix of defending champions, next generation stars and stalwarts of the game have assembled to represent the South Queensland Sharks at the National Touch League this week. Discover the players to watch here.
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A mix of defending champions, next generation stars and stalwarts of the game are set to represent the South Queensland Sharks at the National Touch League this week.
Fourteen teams made up from the best players from the Sharks 10 affiliate clubs will compete in the championships at Coffs Harbour International Stadium Friday to Sunday.
As they prepare to for a tilt at their respective titles each coach has highlighted the stars who could emerge as game breakers and the ones who to watch this week.
Sharks Women’s 20s:
Coach: Lauren Dayberg-Muir
Assistant Coach: Teena Mcliveen
Manager: Natalie Eldridge
Captain: Mackayla Isedale
Players to watch:
“Lacey McLaren played in the QLD 15’s school girls side in 2023, lightning fast and great ball skills. McLaren is a South Coast rugby league representative and signed with the Brisbane Broncos training squad at only 15,” Coach Lauren Dayberg-Muir said.
“Ella Watkins is a shadow player for the QLD school girls 18’s at only 15. Watkins is exceptionally fast, extremely dangerous in attack and plays an integral role in the team with her great touch mind and outstanding sportsmanship.
“Micaeli Robust is a real dark horse, fairly new to the rep scene but an absolute gun, very quick and has great footwork. Robus is the ultimate competitor, willing to get in and get any job done for her team.
“Mackayla Isedale is the co-captain is a very smart player, great from half, all round great teammate and a natural leader on the field.
“Skyla Samson is the ultimate athlete. Fast, agile and has a great passing game. Samson is also a gun league player currently contracted with Titans NRLW. She’s absolutely lethal when she has the ball in her hands.
“Maeya Collie. Her nickname is the bulldog, purely for her grit and determination. One of the best working middles coach Dayberg-Muir has seen. Collie can do it all. She is a great attacking player, great defender and amazing working middle who does more yards than most men’s open players.
“All of the athletes outside of Isedale played in the winning Sharks 16’s team that won NYC.
“These girls are very special as they really play an old school ‘eyes up’ and running-style of footy which obviously is something my assistant coach Teena McIveen and I have worked hard to teach them.
“They’re all such great athletes so when they have the ball they create a lot magic in attack and so solid in defence.”
Sharks Masters Mixed:
Coach: Mark Hartley
Assistant Coach: Kane Lock
Manager: Kristie Smith
Captain: TBA
Players to watch:
“We have two very good ladies in our team who have both been selected to play for Australia in the FIT world cup, Nottingham This takes place in July 2024,” coach Mark Hartley said.
“Those two players are Zara Hartley & Kellie piltz. Both are great organisers and have great knowledge of the game. Kellie is blessed with great speed and Zara has the smarts between the ears.
“They both are very committed and driven and train hard to achieve their goals. Coaching them makes my job so much easier.”
Sharks Seniors Mixed:
Coach: Adian Taubman
Manager: Kelly Jones
Captain: Adian Taubman
Players to watch:
“We have an incredibly versatile and experienced line-up this season, with each player bringing something unique to the table and a wealth of experience,” coach Adian Taubman said.
“Our captain and coach, Adian Taubman, is a standout leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and a high touch IQ to the team. His experience and strategic thinking are invaluable both on and off the field.
“One player to keep an eye on is Hape Hohua. While he may be new to the NTL competition, his footwork and speed have been turning heads especially taking off from Link. Hape is definitely one to watch as he continues to showcase his talent.
“And then we have Kelly Jones, a phenomenal player with both Australian and State of Origin experience. Her expertise and skill set, especially as a link player, are essential to our team’s success.
“Kelly’s presence on the field truly elevates our game. I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic team this Ntls and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Sharks 60s Men:
Coach: Peter Topp
Manager: Les Kovacs
Captain: Tom Dinsey
Players to watch:
“Our Men’s 60s won their NTL division in 2021 and is looking to do it again,” coach Peter Topp said.
“The team is led by captain Tom Dinsey. He plays middle, has agility, speed and leads by example not words as a strong competitor.
“Peter Sheppard, a longtime Sharks player, will be in the link position. Coming through the age divisions from the Opens many years back, to now represent the club in the Men’s 60s division.
“A scheming player who is always trying to make something happen with plenty of talk. He also has good hands and vision.
“Geoffrey “Vinnie” Garrett plays link and has played in many winning club and state teams at the national level. Known for his speed, agility and talk, he is a fierce competitor that will add plenty to the team.”
Sharks 55s Mens:
Coach: Paul Erickson
Captain: Brent Saddler
Vice-captain: Brooke Early
Players to watch:
“Both Brent Saddler and Brooke Early have played for Australia Touch,” Paul Erickson said.
“Brooke fast, fit, great half runner, good pass both sides and works hard for his teammates.
“Brent, a natural leader, gives on and off the field, great from half, reads game extremely well.”
Sharks 50s Mens:
Coach: Mark Egan
Assistant Coach: Graham Russell
Manager: Janine Russell
Captain: Scott Notley
Vice-captain: Craig Scharer and Bruce Macdonald
Players to watch:
“Scott Notley has represented Australia and is probably the most decorated touch player in Queensland and still out there playing in his late 50s,” Coach Mark Egan said.
“Still as deceptive as ever with his experience and leadership continually giving all those around him plenty of confidence.
“Craig Scharer is a nother wonderful leader who is extremely agile and specialises as a running player.
“Bruce Macdonald has represented New Zealand and is fearless, tough competitor who specialises in static attack.
“We have another six or so internationals in the team. The team is full of exceptional players across the board but their biggest attribute is that they are wonderful men and that is the cornerstone of their continued success.
“In 1993 I coached NSW Mens Open against Queensland in the National Championships (pre State of Origin).
“In my NSW team were Jamie Black and Cameron Foster who are in this Sharks Mens 50s team. The Queensland Captain was Scott Notley, who is captain of our team.
“Here we all are 30 years later but all on the same team.”
Sharks 40s Men:
Coach: Aaron Jones
Captain: TBA
Players to watch:
“This team is going for five wins out of the last six years at the NTLs,” Coach Aaron Jones said.
“We are expecting big tournaments from recently announced Australian Men’s 40s wingers Troy Nichols and Steve Murray.
“With senior teams it is important for rejuvenation with ‘young’ players in the division so we are expecting a big weekend from Chris Jordan, Graeme Clancy and Mook Harrington Jnr.
“With a host of players recently announced to represent Australia in senior divisions at the 2024 Touch World Cup in England this team will be the one to beat in this division.”
Sharks 30s Men:
Coach: Chris Swaddle
Assistant Coach: Zac Boyd
Manager: Sascha Acworth
Captain: Caleb Johson
Players to watch:
“Kevin Hugget is a link with great ball playing ability and speed. He is highly motivated for success and a leader within the team,” Coach Chris Swaddle said.
“Julian Vertley is a link with great communication skills and ball playing ability. He has lots of experience and has recently moved to the Gold Coast from Manly Touch.
“Jackson Tavai is a middle who is experienced, smart and level headed, comes to us after Cook Islands pulled out of the NTLs.
“Jake Scott is a middle with speed to burn, young, fit, smart and ready to win.
“Caleb Johnson is a link who is cool, calm, level headed, smart and a born leader.
“Istvan and Jarrid Gyori are middles.The brothers have joined us from the South African World Cup squad, are smart, determined with a little bit of flash.”
Sharks 20s Boys:
Coach: Troy Skinner
Assistant Coach: Darran Robison
Manager: Rachelle Waetford
Captain: TBA
Players to watch:
“We are the returning under-20 champions from the 023 NTL,” Coach Troy Skinner said.
“Jia Charlton is a current under-20 Aussie player with a great long ball and quick on his feet.
“The Teika brothers, Kyer and Lennix.. Kyer has one of the best dives in our game and Lennix is a current u18 Aussie player with an amazing long ball.
“We have strike power across the park with Kade Robson with his speed Filisi Frost with his safe hands and scoring ability in the corner.
“We have some young up and coming players in Carter Skinner, Tyler Erickson and Qwayde Whakatihi who all have represented QLD Schools for their respective age groups. They are all 15 and 16-years-old.”
Sharks All Abilities:
Coach: Darren Dowd
Manager: Suzie Dowd
Captain: TBA
Players to watch:
“Jordy Shepherd and Chris Lyons,” Coach Darren Dowd said.
“Jordy is a sports fanatic, he loves competing and watching touch footy and rugby league. Jordy also competes in Spartan and tough mudder challenges.
“Chris is our captain and has won multiple National, State and regional championships. Chris also coaches some junior teams and has success in doing so, he has a really passion for our game. Both guys are super keen to play this weekend.”
Sharks All Abilitis (1)
Coach: Paulo Fuiava
Manager: Anna Fuiava
Players to watch:
“Jet Townend is a speed demon nicknamed Jetstar because of how fast he is.
“Townend is also a representative level player in tennis and also plays basketball but he loves nothing more than scoring tries in touch football.”
Sharks Mixed Open:
Coach: Mark Tipple
Assistant Coach: Trent Morgan
Manager: George Stewart
Captain: Rayden Haeata and Kahli Stewart
Players to watch:
“The Sharks have created a dynasty at NTL Mixed Open level, having been in every grand final since 2019, winning titles every second year since then in 2019, 2021 and 2023,” Coach Mark Tipple said.
“We’re hoping to continue that legacy, with a new look team this year, having only two players (Brooke Hofmeyer & Kahli Stewart) from past Sharks XO teams.
“The team is young, fit, fast and mainly unknown with a lot of up and coming talent that will hopefully announce themselves on the national stage.
“Brodie Fien, Nathan Fien’s son is a player to look out for with his attack and passion for the game.
“Toni Rasmussen (nee Wells), former NZ WO is one of the best female attackers in the world and has chosen to play Mixed this year. Will threaten a lot of male defenders.
“Raydyn Haeata is co-captain with Kahli Stewart, a NZ Men’s 20s representative and an exciting attacker.
“Giacomo Allaria is the Italian Mixed Open captain and has gained a lot of experience playing touch in Australia this summer. At 6’5” he can dive from a long way out and has great speed for his size.
“Riley Johnson has played Hornets MO and won a NSW State Cup with Doyalson MO so will bring a lot of experience to this team.”
The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
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