‘We will win’: GCDRU grand final rematch to take round 8 by storm as coaches nominate ‘most versatile’ players
The highly anticipated grand final rematch between the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights and Surfers Paradise Dolphins is set to go down this weekend on Knights soil, with both teams itching to make a statement. As excitement boils, we asked the coaches to nominate their ‘most versatile’ players. Here’s the list:
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Initially washed out in round 1, the highly anticipated grand final rematch between the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights and Surfers Paradise Dolphins is set to go down this weekend on Knights soil, with both teams itching to make a statement.
This weekend marks the season’s halfway point, with every team coming up against the seventh and final opposition before the race to finals begins.
Both Knights and Dolphins have suffered just one loss so far – on both occasions at the hands of the Nerang Bulls, who are yet to break their winning streak in 2024.
Neither side can tell how it will play out, but if results are to go off, Dolphins may have the upper hand.
In round 3 the Surfers side went down by just a single point (14-13) before Knights went down by a more convincing 20 (34-14) in round 5.
Knights coach Shaun Cole said he looks to use those results and others to his advantage, without relying on just numbers.
“Each week I look at the results and do a bit of research where I can … who’s playing what position and if I can find some footage even better.
“Our plan is to put points on the scoreboard and then our defensive effort needs to be there to counter the threats Surfers have … Patrick Barlow, Bailey Bocock and Tai Ford to name a few,” Cole said.
The four-time premiership coach isn’t shy about his squad’s potential, despite having five players absent this round.
“Each week that goes past I feel more and more confident in my squad.
“We will win on Saturday if we have a lot of energy in our defence.
“Ideally, we get the ball down the right end of the field and off the back of that and I know we have points in us,” he said.
It’s no secret the Knights have pressure on their backs to win – and win big.
With a fifth straight premiership on the cards this season, Cole has relished in the pressure both from the club and externally.
“The club, team and I will never hide away from the fact that we want to win every game we can and then ultimately win premierships.
“That’s the best part of team sport … working hard together, overcoming obstacles and disappointment along the way together to ultimately get an opportunity to thrive under pressure in the last game of the year and win it all,” he said.
In exciting news – and following a successful campaign alongside Cole at the South Queensland Championships – Johnny Bentley has joined the Knights’ ranks, assisting primarily with the backs.
“I’m really excited to have (him) come on board as an assistant coach for the remainder of the year.
“He helped me with Cyclones and it seemed like a natural fit to bring him in which I’m hoping helps take us to another level back end of the year,” Cole said.
Casualty ward:
(Knights)
Jason Beeton Ankle 2 weeks
Kerrod Martorella Annual Leave 2 weeks
Blake Griffin Ankle 8 weeks
Carsil Vaikai Ankle 2 weeks
Taniela Tuivanuavou Knee 2 weeks
(Dolphins)
Reached for comment
What’s on elsewhere:
Helensvale Hogs host PBC Alleygators
Coomera Crushers host Bond Pirates
Nerang Bulls host Gold Coast Eagles
Coaches Nominate: Most Versatile on the Field
Joshua Edmond
Nerang Bulls
Lock/Halfback/Centre/Wing
“Grubby” is a man of few words but can master many positions – not just filling in, but actually ‘killing it’ according to his coaches. It doesn’t matter which jersey he wears, Edmond is always slipping into the top five on-field.
Sebastian Hopkins
Nerang Bulls
Halfback/First Five Eight/Fullback
The regular halfback for first grade last year has found himself steering the ship from 10 this year in second grade. He has been one of the standouts both in his team and for the club overall.
Jaxson Arnold
Helensvale Hogs
Centre
A classic tale of versatility, Arnold has managed to find his feet in every position of the backline this year with the exception of halfback. He’s a longtime Hogs junior who left for one season before returning in 2024 and picking up the duties of resident ‘everything’ man.
Max Munnery
Colleges Knights
Covers Hooker, Backrow and has played Second Row
For a kid who’s only 17, Munnery has shown a willingness to put his body on the line no matter what position he plays. It has impressed Cole and has earned the respect both his own team and oppositions.
Kyan White
Coomera Crushers
White can play loose forward and halfback and is also a very capable backline player.
Patrick Barlow, Keone Herbert and Isaac Ngauamo (backs)
Tai Ford and Liam Kenny (forwards)
Surfers Paradise Dolphins
Note: At the time of publication, all participating clubs were reached for a nomination.
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