Meninga Cup rugby league Team of the Season named
The Meninga Cup Team of the Season can be revealed after the premiership race was reduced to four teams. See the star-studded squad here.
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The Meninga Cup premiership race is down to the final four, with Redcliffe hosting the Cutters and Tweed playing Burleigh for a place in the grand final.
To celebrate a bumper season, the 2025 Meninga Cup Team of the Season can now be revealed.
The quality of the competition is emphasised not only by who made the side, but who missed out.
Ineligible for selection due to missing four games or more were elite players like Zane Harrison (Tweed), Tavita Penaia Te’o (Cutters), Zac Garton (Redcliffe), Xzavier Timoteo (Souths Logan), Jairus Halahala (Redcliffe) Cody Starr (Redcliffe), Jac Finigan (Redcliffe) and Nate Berrigan (Redcliffe).
But such is the talent, the standard of the side is barely diminished by their absence.
MENINGA CUP TEAM OF THE SEASON
1. Saxon Innes (Burleigh Bears)
The fleet-footed fullback was a weapon this season for Burleigh, with his speed through the ruck or on the edges breathtaking at times.
Signed by the Broncos, Innes also used his elite speed to reduce the effectiveness of the opposition’s tactical kicking.
He was absolutely lethal.
2. Jaffahl Skillington (Easts Tigers)
Originally from the Mackay district, Skillington arrived with skill, flair and experience after playing for the Cutters.
But he also worked extremely hard and gave his side tremendous bang for their buck.
Played fullback but had to be in the team so he has been named on the wing.
3. Fynn Battaia (Mackay Cutters)
Outside back Battaia was a part of a metre-eating back five who played a huge part in Mackay making it into the final four teams.
He consistently ran 110m-120m each match, and could also strike from attacking ball on the fringes.
His back five buddies Kooper Shears, Setaleki Mafileo, Zane Elletson and Rylan Misztela were also terrific.
4. Sam Stephenson (Tweed Seagulls)
The 2024 Australian Schoolboy centre was a huge presence in the Tweed side before his elevation into the club’s Hostplus Cup team.
Tall and imposing, the Titans outside back prospect impacted games with his attacking running, but also at the defensive end of the field where he’d explode out of dummy half or as a first receiver.
Wynnum Manly centre Tom Morcom was also exceptional at right centre but Stephenson found the winner’s post first due to his ability to find his feet quickly in first grade when given the chance.
5. Bruce Baudu (Townsville Blackhawks)
Bruce Baudu was a revelation on the wing for Townsville.
He saved twice as many tries as he as scored, Baudu bursting onto the scene as an under-aged player where his speed and natural instincts were to the fore.
A humble type from the Torres Strait Islands who regularly found the stripe, Baudu brought plenty to the Blackhawks this year.
6. David Bryenton (Souths Logan Magpies)
The Auckland sensation delivered in spades for the Magpies this season.
Bryenton, a fullback now thriving in the halves, was an attacking stud who could make something happen even when his side was not going forward.
He scored a 92m solo try in last weekend’s loss against Burleigh, one of countless highlights he was responsible for this season.
Had spectators creeping forward on their seats in anticipation.
7. Javon Andrews (Tweed Seagulls)
His old mate Zane Harrison missed four games which made him ineligible for selection, and in his absence Tweed playmaker Javon Andrews was first class.
Marsden State High’s skipper last season, Andrews had an astute passing game, tactical kicking game and threatening running game which made him a three-pronged threat.
He was responsible for creating a ton of tries and just seemed to have time on his hands.
8. Mafiou Cherif (Northern Pride)
A powerhouse prop who gave the Pride tremendous value with his driving runs, post-contact metres and innate ability to generate momentum through the middle.
Recruited by the Cowboys from Ipswich State High, Cherif grew up in rugby league heartland where he showed so much potential in the local Ipswich competition and for the Jets.
This year, at his new club in Cairns, Cherif led by example and took his game to another level while often under duress.
9. Braelan Marsh (Redcliffe Dolphins)
New face Marsh, a hooker from Yeppoon, was lethal around the ruck, taking advantage of the slightest opportunity presented to him by his forwards but never overplaying his hand.
He was also deceptive with his hands, footwork and head movement around the ruck which kept opponents guessing.
It allowed Noah Fien and Lachlan Buchbach to get a great roll on and when they did, Redcliffe looked unbeatable.
10. Carter Ford (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Carter, the late Carl Webb’s son, was the foundation on which the Dolphins’ season was built upon.
While other outstanding forwards came and went with injury, Ford was a middle forward enforcer who drove his side into ascendancy in all games this season.
Tough as teak, Ford fought his way forward to start Redcliffe’s sets strongly before destructive edge component Zac Garton let rip.
11. Keyarn Pene (Norths Devils)
A wonderful edge player for all sorts of reasons, Pene could swing effortlessly between centre and second row.
He was a defensive vault, locking down the edge while running with gusto from the defensive end of the ground.
He was brave and a great team player.
12. Joseph Doyle (Mackay Cutters)
The former winger from Bundaberg was a second row dynamo.
His speed and acceleration were used to make metres in close quarter contact, but also used as an attacking weapon when attacking ball swept his way.
In last Saturday’s semi-final be helped run down runaway Norths winger Kurt Jones which highlighted his athletic ability and desperation when all seemed lost.
13. Charlie Dickson (Norths)
One of the first players chosen in the squad, Dickson was a No.13 powerhouse whose thirst for work knew no bounds.
Ultra fit, Dickson had explosive footwork while his strength enabled him to nearly always win the ruck.
It seemed Dickson always won defensive contact as well.
14. Preston Cassidy (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
Cassidy is another North Queensland product who was consistently Wynnum Manly’s best player this season.
His outstanding season would be no surprise to the Kirwan State High School community where he plied his trade in the Aaron Payne Cup.
He was valuable at halfback and sometimes as a dummyhalf and in a demanding season he hit his stride at just the right time when injuries hit the Seagulls.
15. Antonio Verhoeven (Burleigh Bears)
In a back division featuring edge players like Phil Coates, Saxon Innes, Disharne Tonihi, Kilarney Lavender and Jett Bryce, it is easy to get lost.
But new face Verhoeven was outstanding and played a big role in his team’s success. A standout, the tall Palm Beach Currumbin kid was an athletic marvel who sliced through on countless occasions when Burleigh needed a response.
16. Taylan To’a (Tweed Seagulls)
The athletic second rower was a handful on the left edge when his halves were able to deliver him with attacking ball.
Defensively he was also strong and was an easy selection in the Team of the Season given his thretening presence, telling line running and genuine strike power.
17. Cooper Bai (Tweed Seagulls)
Tough as nails with a high work rate, Bai was elite for Tweed.
His intensity both in defence and with his carries helped Tweed along when the team’s wheels started to spin.
The Marymount College alumni, an absolute handful in the middle, is exactly the type of player premiership success is built around.
18. Brian Pouniu (Redcliffe Dolphins)
A destructive second rower and occasional centre, Pouniu’s opportunities to run the ball as a wide running second rower were more limited, but he was outstanding in defence.
A leader — he is school captain at St Eugene’s College in Burpengary — Pouniu will continue to blossom this summer when he trains as part of the Dolphins’ NRL squad.
19. Hayden Watson (Burleigh Bears)
Watson was outstanding this season, and although he missed three home-and-away games, he made enough appearances to earn this position.
When his team generated momentum through the ruck, he was dynamic from dummy half.
He also had an outstanding pass to complement his goalkicking skills.
20. Declan Grady (Mackay Cutters)
Although he missed the last two matches due to injury, the 200cm tall Grady was a colossus for the Cutters who just had to be picked.
For a big man he has rare speed, and instinctively runs a great line wide of the ruck.
The Cowboys have to be pleased having him as a project player.
PLAYERS WE WOULD HAVE MOST LIKED TO HAVE SELECTED
Duquan Talaepa (Norths)
Talaepa took a serious leap in 2025.
He has always been promising but goodness he was elite on the edge for Norths, rarely going a game without making an important break or shedding a handful of tackles.
A supreme talent with the leg drive and speed to pull off extra metres, Talaepa at times resembled a winger with his blazing speed out wide.
Tom Morcom (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
A Shalom College alumni from the Bundaberg region, the former Wide Bay Bulls representative tried his heart out all season for the Seagulls.
If he wasn’t Wynnum Manly’s best all year he was a close second or third, constantly asking questions and always reliable on the right edge.
Scored plenty, saved plenty and was strong as an ox with his carries.
Marley McLaren (Burleigh Bears)
McLaren ran the side expertly, never over playing his hand while using long or short tactical kicking to swing his side onto the front foot.
Was classy with the ball in hand and also a terrier on defence when needed.
Bodhi Sharpley (Tweed Seagulls)
The raw-boned Gold Coast Titans signing from St Mary’s in Toowoomba had a strong season up front for Tweed, laying a foundation for his team’s success.
He was a Mr Reliable, a forward Sam Meskell knew was a safe bet to play a good chunk of matches and remain high standards on both sides of the ball.
Joseph Tupuse (Souths Logan Magpies)
While often not at peak fitness, the Broncos-signed Tupuse was still one of the competition’s most lethal edge players.
A Keebra Park SHS student, he was always strong and was an x-factor player who lurked dangerously out wide for the mighty Magpies.
If he is at full fitness, watch for Keebra Park to make a thud in this year’s Langer Trophy schoolboy competition.
Ray Puru (Tweed Seagulls)
The deceptive Puru was sensational in 2025, which followed an awfully impressive school campaign in 2024 with Palm Beach Currumbin State High.
His magic moment came when he scored a stunner against the Falcons midway through the season and around that he was a constant threat rushing forward from the feet of his forwards and returning the ball with purpose and deadly footwork.
A livewire lurking.
Adaquix-Jeremiah Watts-Luke (Norths Devils)
Luke was on the cusp of making the team, with his explosive acceleration from fullback a threat down the centre of the field or from attacking ball on the edges.
He was great in defusing bombs and also used his pace to hustle back opposition kicks.
Zane Elletson (Mackay Cutters)
Along with fullback Kooper Shears, centre Fynn Battaia and winger Rylan Misztela, Elletson was outstanding in smashing the ball back from the defensive end of the field.
A centre, he would regularly make a break himself or put his winger away, but it was those crashing dummyhalf or ruck runs that got him to the brink of Team of the Season selection.
Nate Thompson (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
The Falcons fullback is the definition of a game-changer.
Thompson started the season with a bang before missing four weeks with injury but slotted back into the attack without missing a beat.
His acceleration, footwork and calmness on the ball were key traits of the Canterbury Bulldogs academy prospect.
Kooper Shears (Mackay Cutters)
This brave little fullback played a huge role in helping get Mackay into the last four of the competition.
He has played above his weight, courageously taking runs around the ruck while being razor sharp off the back of attacking ball.
He would have run more than 1000m this season, and often be dangerous in doing so. All this from a bloke who hadn’t played fullback before this year.
Jayden Solien (Souths Logan Magpies)
Solien was desperately close to making the Team of the Season — again.
He played as a lightweight No.13 where his agility and fitness helped the Magpies out of the defensive end of the ground.
Solien also used that speed to attack in the defensive line. He also had great hands and spent time at dummyhalf due to his valuable V8 engine.
Noah Fien (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Halfback Fien was lethal on the right edge, firing off attacking raids or threatening with his speed off the mark. And he had plenty of speed.
He could drift to the left and share moments with fellow half and captain Lachlan Buchbach, but his main objective was the right where he was a threat with his short or long pass, and then his own running game.
He was strongly considered for the No.7 jumper.
Harrison Hill (Ipswich Jets)
A determined hooker, Hill could bring his forwards onto the ball or swing into action himself with influential runs around the ruck.
He scored regularly, led his forwards around well and was just the full package dummyhalf for Ipswich.
Terence Mosby (Blackhawks)
A revelation for the Blackhawks after moving from the Torres Straits to trial as an outside back.
Mosby has played lock, hooker and wing for the Blackhawks but found a home in the middle this year where his quick movement and trusty front-on defence made him a pleasant surprise packet.
His point of difference as a prop was his speed and late footwork at the line.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Sitiveni Afu (Townsville Blackhawks)
Carter Welfare (Norths)
Phillip Coates (Burleigh Bears)
Dirhys Sefo (Souths Logan Magpies)
Disharne Tonihi (Burleigh Bears)
Marley Nelion (Northern Pride)
Travis Larner (Mackay Cutters)
Jack Thorburn (Mackay Cutters)
Lachie Lyons (Western Clydesdales)
Charlie Coates (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Koby Brown (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Karlos Iraia (Townsville Blackhawks)
Jahrel Iselin Janson (Norths)
Robertson Tusi Tofu (Norths)
THE PLAYERS YOU WANT PLAYING FOR YOUR LIFE
Jett Bryce (Burleigh Bears)
This bloke is never beaten. A lightweight edge forward, his energy, desire and enthusiasm is why no one should discount him from one day playing an NRL match.
He is the type of bloke who will chase the opposition’s fastest player all the way to the line, and who will find a second effort play when teammates gasped for air.
Fa’apale Feaunati (Souths Logan Magpies)
A prop with an exhaustive work rate, Feaunati’s defence around the ruck was a high point of his season, as was his willingness to carry the ball up.
A young veteran.
Jake Oberhardt (CQ Capras)
Along with Josh Nilon (Capras) and Harrison Hill (Capras), Oberhardt was one third of the Central Queensland bruise brothers.
Whether the Capras won by two or lost by 12, no opponent finished a match unscathed against this mighty middle trio — spurred on by prop Oberhardt.
Jackson Koina (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
A lock forward, Koina had a great running game but was equally comfortable playing a ball distributing role through the middle.
He is a tough and uncompromising type who loved to hit hard in defence in his first Meninga Cup season.
Lachlan Coburn (Ipswich Jets)
The No.13 played above his weight time and again during the season. His defensive cover around the ruck was outstanding and he was always a second and third effort player.
His blood is worth bottling.
Cooper Day (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
The middle forward always rolled his sleeves up for Wynnum Manly, no matter the circumstances.
Loranzo Fono (Townsville Blackhawks)
Fono’s strong carries for the Blackhawks would consistently lay a platform for his team’s mobile middle forwards.
BEST NEW FACES
Will Graham (Falcons)
Graham, an Australian rugby union schoolboys representative, made the switch to league at the beginning of the season and was one of the Falcons most consistent.
Slotting in at hooker, Graham showed his huge work rate on both sides of the ball was unmatched and his skill around the ruck was evident.
It goes without saying his service was crisp.
MR CONSISTENCY
Curtis Seierup (CQ Capras)
Featuring a great temperament during a demanding season, Seierup was a good squad member who could settle his side and try to redirect them back on track.
He was consistent and got through a truck load of work from hooker.
BEST UTILITY
Jake Lateo (Tweed Seagulls)
No matter where Jake Lateo plays, he is the ultimate professional — whether it is for his club or school (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS).
This season he played in the halves, centre and fullback but No.7 is his position.
BEST WIDE BAY SIGNING
Tyson Knight (Falcons)
A key Wide Bay addition, Knight came to the Falcons in a bid to see how he stacked up against the state’s best.
The damaging prop forward was all effort from siren to siren with a number of big runs and bigger hits.
THE PLAYERS WE’D LOVE TO HAVE SEEN MORE OF
Jairus Halahala (Redcliffe)
He only played two matches at the start of the season before withdrawing for personal reasons.
But watch for the explosive middle forward to be named in the Dolphins’ semi-final side after a successful comeback last week for Redcliffe SHS in Langer Trophy football.
Tavita Penaia Te’o (Mackay Cutters)
The Mackay captain, prop Te’o was awesome when he played but the imposing, athletic forward did miss four matches due to injury.
If he had played more games, Te’o would would have walked into the Team of the Season so impactful was he in the games he did play.
Nate Berrigan (Redcliffe Dolphins)
The dynamic utility played the first three games of the season, but was one of several notable absentees from the Dolphins side this season due to injury.
His speed around the ruck was missed.
Xzavier Timoteo (Souths Logan)
Suspension cost Timoteo weeks on the field, but his ability was evident in his return game when he ran for around 180m, scored two tries and hit like a truck in defence.
Signed by the Roosters, this former Ipswich SHS captain is a terrific prop prospect.
Toby Woodall (Mackay Cutters)
An outstanding finisher, Woodall was going along nicely on the wing for Mackay before his season was cut short.
Cody Starr (Redcliffe Dolphins)
The big bloke is fit and firing now, but he did miss four matches this season for one reason and another. No one would be surprised if he is the best prop on the field in this weekend’s semi-final.
He’s that good.
Zac Garton (Redcliffe Dolphins)
The 2024 Australian schoolboys second rower missed four matches which dented his chance of making the team of the season.
The fact the Dolphins were still so successful without the likes of Starr, Garton and Berrigan this season is a credit to the club’s depth players like Jacob Morton and Lucas Miller.
Jac Finigan (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Yet another Redcliffe forward of note who missed a month of football, Finigan’s defensive prowess on the edge and aggressive running would have been missed by the Dolphins.
Seth Gundry (Burleigh Bears)
A brilliant junior talent, fullback Gundry unfortunately had limited chances in the top side — no doubt not helped by Saxon Innes’ presence in the No.1 jumper.
But Gundry was injured this season which ultimately prevented him from playing a role for Burleigh.
Kilarney Lavender (Burleigh Bears)
The athletic big man was one of several imposing figures on the edges for Burleigh this season.
If his fellow forwards had generated momentum, Lavender was almost impossible to handle on the fringe of the field.
TRY OF THE SEASON
Gold medal
Quinn Timperon (Tigers)
Timperon’s remarkable leap to retrieve a chip kick and score in the corner was reminiscent of Brett Morris’ remarkable performance to score some years ago when he was playing with St George Illawarra. You know Timperon’s try had to be good to beat some of David Bryenton’s try scoring deeds this season - and it was.
Silver medal
David Bryenton (Souths Logan)
Basically any try this elite Magpies halve or fullback was involved in could have been a try of the season contender.
His round nine performance, which saw him weave 50m before putting Jayden Solien over to score, was one of many rippers he conjured.
Bronze medal
Davidson Benioni (Pride)
Davidson Benioni’s performance to score from a seemingly impossible position against Wynnum Manly in round nine was a mini-master piece.
He beat one of the competition’s best defenders, Wynnum’s Jaycob Kingston-Francis, then another before grubber kicking for himself and beating two Seagulls’ to the ball in a mad scramble of bodies.
Special mention: Johnathan Leuluai’s diving catch of a chip kick delivered by his five-eight Ellyjah Birve was a wonderful try for the Falcons.
Under lights, it was made look easy by the athletic Leuluai. He also had the best no-try of the season after his catch of a Koby Brown bomb was not awarded.
UNSUNG HEROES
Kyle Bader (Blackhawks)
Initially a prop or lock, Bader produced his best footy as a right edge backrower where his line running and ballplaying led to considerable success out wide.
Lachlan Buchbach (Redcliffe Dolphins)
While Noah Fien was running the right side of the field, Buchbach looked after the left where he ignited many raids by the Dolphins.
Was so good in attack but also a difference maker with his toughness bringing down bigger bodies.
Levi Rusin (Tigers)
A Marsden SHS product, Rusin played tough and he played smart and lost nothing in comparison to some of the more highly fancied props in the competition.
Big and barnstorming.
Anton Whaiapu and Oscar Laffranchi (Bears)
If you were looking for reasons for Burleigh’s success, look no further than this pair.
They both have a high work rate and defensively the pair’s coverage of the ground around the ruck is without blemish.
Kinkade Conlon-Carson (Redcliffe Dolphins)
A former Roosters Harold Matthews Cup representative, the middle forward made a splendid return from shoulder surgery which is a pity for opponents given his big hitting defence.
Other unsung players were the likes of Ryder Soper (Blackhawks), Marley Igasan (Bears) and Riley McIntyre (Blackhawks).
Jack Tuite (Easts Tigers)
A former St Laurence’s College premiership winner in rugby, Tuite was an outstanding leader playing edge and sometimes No.13.
The Tigers were lucky to have him.
Tait Cameron (Western Clydesdales)
The fullback was a dominant force with the ball in hand, offering solid kick returns and link play on both edges.
Sunny Kama (Tweed Seagulls)
The original Mr Consistent, winger Kama is a thorough professional who works hard on both sides of the ball, while being able to finish a backline movement.
Missed a handful of games but delivered the goods when he was out there at centre or wing.
Callum Bowles (Redcliffe Dolphins)
A former Palm Beach Currumbin SHS premiership winning teammate of Kama, fullback Bowles lost little in comparison to the high class fullbacks doing the rounds in this competition.
Isaac Harrison (Tweed Seagulls)
Tweed to the core, the Seagulls captain was a glue player who maintained a high standard throughout the season — at training and on the field.
The bloke’s a winner.
Finn Kendall (Souths Logan Magpies)
A wholehearted centre from Ipswich, Kendall was tough and physical both in defence and also when he ran the ball.
The Ipswich Grammar specimen was right at home at this level despite being 17. Age meant little because he just kept giving for Souths.
Amare Wynyard (Redcliffe Dolphins)
The emergence of Braelan Marsh enabled Wynyard to play a tremendous team role either as a support dummyhalf, or as light weight, agile No.13.
He will be chomping at the bit to play more minutes as captain of Redcliffe State High this Langer Trophy season.
Taufa Taulani (Redcliffe Dolphins)
In a season where Redcliffe’s pack changed from one week to the next, Taulani was a constant.
His mobility for a big man and post contact metres were appreciated by his teammates.
Elijah McKay (Redcliffe Dolphins)
A big body in centre, McKay’s size and will to be involved made him a key figure in his team gathering momentum from the defensive end of the ground, while his running game proved hard to handle.
Hudson Towell (Tweed Seagulls)
A Tweed Seagulls junior, the Northern Rivers Titans representative has done a wonderful job from dummy half.
The quality of his service, his ability to draw and bring his forwards onto the ball, and his own individual darts made him a complete hooker.
Lachlan McCall (Norths Devils)
The little bloke from Marist Ashgrove was a marvel in the middle, often playing above his weight to challenge rivals around the ruck.
He had crisp service and displayed shrewd judgement from dummyhalf after beating elite company like Sonny Herdegen and Flynn Madders to the No.9 jersey.
X-FACTOR PLAYER
Ellyjah Birve (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
The Caloundra SHS student could make something happen out of nothing with his instinctive play around the halves or from broken play.
Every opposition coach would have mentioned Birve in pre-game preparations which is a complement to a player whose timing and control grew considerably in 2025.
BEST POSITIONAL SWITCH
Hayde Munro (TownsvilleBlackhawks)
Hayde Munro Moved from half to lock this season and was able to straighten the Townsville attack, while also possessing sharp ball skills and late feet at the line.
Bigger packs had difficulty containing him.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Rylan Misztela (Mckay Cutters)
This bloke was extraordinary, so much so that he was strongly considered for the Team of the Season.
A winger, he started the season as a mini-minor and ended up being a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series.
Kurt Jones (Norths Devils)
Jones was one of the most improved players this season, earning a Dolphins academy contract with his performances from the wing.
Jesse Rafferty (Burleigh Bears)
The tall winger was outstanding for Burleigh when called up.
In the end he lost out to towering wingers Disharne Tonihi and Bailey Trew, but when needed he was as reliable as any for the Bears.
WORKHORSE AWARD
Monte Betham (Easts Tigers)
The unheralded middle forward from Stretton State College frequently led the way for the Tigers with the metres he gained and the tackles he made.
He got through a mountain of work every week.
Ryan John (Mackay Cutters)
The little bloke was a tackling machine who worked his backside off. He made tackle after tackle after tackle this season.
Bill Fraser (Ipswich Jets)
Fraser was a tremendous workhorse who impacted matches with his wholehearted running.
Henry Kallquist and Clinton Smith were also forward prime mover’s for the Jets who kept rucking the ball forward relentlessly this season.
Jesse Bender (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
A broad centre, Bender was a workhorse for the Falcons all season with plenty of tough, gritty carries when his side needed them.
He never shied away from the one percent plays and did plenty of work that goes unnoticed.
Lucas Miller (Redcliffe Dolphins)
A local junior, the robust forward did a great job holding the fort while Redcliffe’s cavalry was unavailable.
MIGHTY MITES
Jake Durie (Western Clydesdales)
Arguably his team’s best player, he was a halve who ran his side expectedly and got them around the park.
Much of his team’s attack came from him and of course the destructive Shaun Elara.
Ethan Rains (Townsville Blackhawks)
A wonderful dummyhalf who was razor sharp around the ruck.
He lost nothing in comparison to rival No.9s and his performances in monsoon, wet-weather conditions from the ruck was exceptional.
KICK RETURN ACE
Bailey Trew (Burleigh Bears)
Trew was an extra battering ram for the Bears. He’s a big kid, but still showed plenty of courage to throw his body into the fray coming from the defensive end of the field.
He was also an elite finisher who had an imposing presence on the right wing.
EYE-CATCHING CROSS CODE TALENT
Myron Taupati-Campbell (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Taupati-Campell was the Falcons assassin this season injecting confidence and energy into the players around him.
The former schoolboy rugby union outside back for St Columban’s College played as an edge forward for the Falcons and showed his dynamic game-style on both sides of the ball.
QUIET ACHIEVERS
Grady Payne (Easts Tigers)
Payne continued his notable development over the last 12 months with another strong season playing halfback for the Tigers.
The crafty playmaker from Logan City appeared to grow in confidence as the season progressed and he is well placed for a strong school season with Redcliffe SHS in the Langer Trophy.
Patrick Kailahi (Redcliffe Dolphins)
The Marsden SHS forward had his school career stifled by serious injuries, but he was an unsung hero of Scott Tronc’s 2024 Meninga Cup side and played well again when called upon by 2025 Redcliffe coach Scott Murray.
Copper Benvenuti (Easts Tigers)
The unrelenting prop from Iona College was outstanding off the bench and worked his way into the starting side as the season progressed.
Michael Hunnisett (Norths)
Originally a Souths Logan Connell Cup player, Hunnisett took his game to new heights this season after impressing in the trials and then maintaining an interchange role.
Mark Morrow (Mackay Cutters)
Morrow would come off the bench and intensify Mackay’s performance in the middle.
A high work rate player, Morrow was a great bloke, hard worker and character for coach Andy Battaia to have in his squad.
INTERCHANGE ENERGIZERS
Tavake Tau’a’alo and Braydan Wong (Burleigh Bears)
Tau’a’alo was a fearsome sight when he’d take to the field, with his thunderous runs and strength adding plenty to the Bears’ middle forward momentum.
In his own way, Wong’s contribution was just as important to the Burleigh effort.
Kayne Smith (Mackay Cutters)
The versatile Smith would come off the bench and add a dimension to his team’s game around the middle, with his agility and high work rate on both sides of the ball a feature.
Billy Wellard (Tweed Seagulls)
Whether starting or coming off the bench, Wellard gave Tweed punch, mobility with skill.
He has spent the last four years training with Tweed in league and The Southport School in rugby — and his big match experience shows.
Torino Jackson (Tweed Seagulls)
Another interchange ace, the New Zealand product with links to the Titans has been strong and reliable coming off the bench.
His work ethic has ensured the Seagulls’ wheels don’t start spinning.
Kaleb Teu (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Teu was a fixture in the Dolphins side, coming off the bench to add vim and vigour to the middle forward effort.
WILDCARD TALENTS
Pouakai Jackson-Williams (Tigers)
Siosaia Poese (Souths Logan)
Dallas Ingram (Bears)
Jaia Poppi (Blackhawks)
Tavita Pomale (Ipswich)
Melchizedek Nonu (Ipswich)
Ryder Abell (Bears)
Originally published as Meninga Cup rugby league Team of the Season named
AFL icon in talks to make shock comeback
There have reportedly been “high-level discussions” regarding a return to senior coaching for Sydney premiership mentor John Longmire.
Raiders star quits, moves to Sydney club
Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty has reportedly informed Ricky Stuart he will depart the nation’s capital, signing with a Sydney club.