The Knights who impressed in charge to CDRL finals
Ivanhoes impressed on their way to the Cairns District Rugby League finals, with seven players making the top 100 players list. FIND OUT WHO THEY WERE + SEE THE FULL LIST >>>
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IVANHOES’ outstanding run to the CDRL finals has been rewarded with seven Knights landing in the top 100 players of 2021.
Dave Murphy )No.15) was at his punishing best, while Rhylee Herd (No.36) had another strong season at the Smithfield club.
But the biggest dog in the fight was the man crowned the CDRL’s Gold Medal winner, and who took top spot: Jacob Wallace.
The hooker took his game to another level with strong, consistent performances which led the Knights to the finals.
You could barely find a poor 40 minutes let alone game from the Ivanhoes hooker, such was the standard and consistency with which he performed in 2021.
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SIX SUBURBS SENSATIONS IMPRESS
The Southern Suburbs Cockatoos had six players in the Cairns District Rugby League’s top 100 players list.
Tough backrower Minjiluk McInnes came in at No.79 as one of the competition’s big improvers this season, and looks set to go to another level again in 2022, while former Northern Pride prop Brad Lupi (No.73) was a cornerstone of the Suburbs’ pack.
Experienced five-eighth Rhys Hanlon, who proved his value not only as the chief playmaker but as an accurate goalkicker, came in at No.65, while hard-working and high-flying outside back Jai Watson came in at No.58.
Tom Thompson-Dodd (No.33) was a workhorse in the middle for the Cockatoos all season, the lock-forward willing to take the tough carries and never shirking his duties in defence.
But the highest Cockatoo on the list, whose impact on and off the field saw him crack into the top five, was ball-playing utility back Cephas Chinfat (No.5).
As much an organiser as he is a motivator, the former Northern Pride player and joint 2019 CDRL Gold Medal winner is consistently among the best performers in the competition.
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The seven Edmonton Storm guns who starrred in 2021
The Edmonton Storm had seven of its players feature in the Cairns District Rugby League’s top 100 players list.
Just scraping into the rankings at No.99 was fearsome front-rower Kornylius Tauimaga, while versatile playmaker Daniel Lazarus (No.85) and wily outside back Ian Bounghi (No.83) both were in the 80s.
Fleet-footed fullback or winger Wes Walker came in at No.63 on the back of several strong outings for the Storm, while unheralded backrower Lee Kennedy, who has been rewarded with a train-and-trial deal at the Northern Pride, cracked the top 50 at No.42.
Developing talent Sterling Addo-Nona was bit of a shock at No.34, with plenty of improvement still left in the youngster’s game.
But the top Edmonton player on the list was hulking New Zealander Fine Vakautakakala, who’s explosiveness added an extra edge to the Storm’s pack, especially in the second half of the season.
Vakautakakala will join teammate Kennedy on a train-and-trial deal at the Northern Pride.
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CDRL’s top 100 players, ranked: Who was No.1?
As Cairns District Rugby League clubs put the full stop on their 2021 season, the Cairns Post has ranked the top 100 players for the season.
While Northern Pride-contracted players do play in the CDRL, those who spent consistent time in the Intrust Super Cup were not considered.
Let us know who you think should have made the cut in the comments below, or send an email to sport@cairnspost.com.au.
CDRL coaching wrap: Kangaroos, Suburbs appoint leading men
100. Cyprian Mossman
Yarrabah Seahawks
Mossman got through a mountain of work in Yarrabah’s front row. Came up with several enormous runs during the post-season, but his impact was the same throughout the season.
99. Kornylius Tauimaga
Edmonton Storm
A front-rower with enormous potential, Tauimaga runs hard and tackles even harder: and every hit hurts.
98. Denzel King
Kangaroos
Contracted to the Northern Pride but spent almost all of the season at Kangaroos. Provided much-needed experience and direction to the club, who performed fairly well when he was on field.
97. Jack Webster
Yarrabah Seahawks
No-nonsense front-rower left everything on the field, every time. Underrated but certainly not underappreciated by his Seahawks teammates.
96. Bruce Myngha
Yarrabah Seahawks
Quality outside back who can find a try from nothing, Myngha popped up at crucial moments in Yarrabah’s run to the title.
95. Robert Pedersen
Mareeba Gladiators
The second-rower was another consistent performer among Mareeba’s pack, and worked hard for every inch. The Gladiators’ joint best and fairest winner.
94. Jack Pedersen
Mareeba Gladiators
The lock rarely missed an assignment in a strong season for the struggling Mareeba outfit, left everything on the field in the hunt for a win. The Gladiators’ joint best and fairest winner.
93. Abiu Pearson
Mossman-PD/Cairns Brothers
A barnstorming front-rower who gets in and does the tough work. He started the season the Sharks but transferred to Brothers, but his hard-running remained the same.
92. Daniel Mairu
Innisfail Leprechauns
A weapon in every sense of the word, Mairu scores tries by the boatload - he had four in one game - and proved he was up to the task defensively. Could be bigger in 2022.
91. Liam Saumalu
Yarrabah Seahawks
Saumalu is one of the most well-rounded back-rowers in the competition: level-headed, strong ball-runner and tough defender. One of only two Seahawks not to miss a game in 2021.
90. Stuart Fogelis
Ivanhoes
Hardworking outside back, usually on the wing, who gave everything on the field but left nothing in the tank. Never afraid of a kick return.
89. Jonty Ivey
Tully Tigers
The consistent Ivey was among the regular few who the Tigers could depend on week-in, week-out to perform at a high level.
88. Quinlyn Cannon
Cairns Brothers
Once among the leading dummy-halves in the competition, Cannon suffered slightly from Brothers having so many quality hooking options. Still a weapon.
87. Matthew Klowss
Kangaroos
This 22-year-old second-rower is developing into one of the league’s best second-rowers. Makes a big impact with and without the footy, and isn’t afraid of hard work.
86. Ned Blackman
Atherton Roosters
Blackman is among the most consistent, top-performing hookers in the CDRL: he hits the target every time, and is extremely tough off the ball.
85. Daniel Lazarus
Edmonton Storm
Lazarus has developed into a handy halfback at the Storm, but can just as easily come off the bench and provide attacking spark.
84. Phil Nona
Tully Tigers
Goalkicking centre or five-eighth, Nona is one of the most consistent names to appear on the Tigers’ scoresheet. Works hard, and is a consistent hand.
83. Ian Bounghi
Edmonton Storm
The Storm centre provided plenty of experience to Edmonton’s outside backs, but proved time and again - via six tries and his work on and off the ball - that he is still a threat.
82. Lealataua Tonumaipea
Tully Tigers
Among the best and most consistent Tigers players in what was a long and tough campaign, if Tonumaipea sticks around for another season he could be anything.
81. Brian Schrieber
Yarrabah Seahawks
Hardworking front-rower who came into his own in the finals series, Schrieber was never afraid of taking the tough runs when required and puts his team first in every instance.
80. Elijah Simpson
Cairns Brothers
Talented second-rower who more than holds his own in the A-grade competition, the 23-year-old is among the first name written on Brothers’ team sheet - and will only get better in 2022.
79. Minjiluk McInnes
Southern Suburbs
Tough back-rower improved greatly this season, developing into one of the club’s leading forwards. Tipped for big things in 2022.
78. Joel Marama
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks
Bounced between the starting front-row and the bench. Consistency is the key word with Marama, who is among the more damaging ballrunners.
77. Nathan Curcio
Atherton Roosters
Utility can play anywhere in the back five. Generally a centre or fullback, but is a team player - if there’s a job the Roosters need doing, he’ll do it.
76. Gabriel Bon
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks
You can start him at centre, at lock or on the bench, but you’ll get the same thing: a hard-running, tough tackler who is among the most skilful in the game.
75. Anthony Curcio
Atherton Roosters
Tough, gritty prop forward who isn’t afraid of getting stuck in, his powerful ball-running and willingness to do the hard work makes him among the leading props in the game.
74. Didymus Blankett
Kangaroos
Came into the Kangaroos squad late after being picked up the Northern Pride midseason, but proved handy in the centre or wing for the Mooroobool club.
73. Brad Lupi
Southern Suburbs
Lupi is one of the cornerstones of the Suburb’s pack: he’s among the hardest-working trainers and is a genuine leader as soon as that whistle blows.
Away from footy, he’s arguably among the greatest personalities in the CDRL.
72. Nigel Woodleigh
Atherton Roosters
Underrated centre who is among the workhorses at Atherton, Woodleigh crossed for five tries in the Roosters’ tough campaign.
71. Davin Crampton
Mossman-Port Douglas
Brought plenty of experience to the two-time defending premiers. Missed a few games but made an impact every time he took the field.
70. Jayson Mura
Ivanhoes
Mura had a great year for Ivanhoes, never shying from hard work as he rolled up the sleeves and played whichever role was required in the backline. Can be a difference maker.
69. Gabriel Stephen
Innisfail Leprechauns
A tough forward who is more than willing and able to win any battle he throws himself into, Stephen was a handy impact man in Leprechauns’ run to the final.
68. Isaiah Wigness
Cairns Brothers
Classy finisher with plenty of pace, Wigness provided Brothers with good target in attack and some surety about their defensive prowess.
67. Zac Mossman
Yarrabah Seahawks
Has the ability to bust open a game at a moment’s notice. Good footwork, pace and vision - sets up as many tries as he scores.
66. Noel Underwood
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks
The veteran can slot into either centre of second-row, and his experience makes him among the most dangerous men in the competition.
65. Rhys Hanlon
Southern Suburbs
Hanlon proved his value not only as the chief playmaker, but a handy and accurate goalkicker who can pot them from anywhere.
64. Caleb Dally
Mareeba Gladiators
The big front-rower won the Gladiators’ Best and Fairest for 2021 after a strong season. Leader of the pack.
63. Wes Walker
Edmonton Storm
Fleet-footed fullback or winger who terrorised opposition defenders. Showed glimpses of his potential in several strong outings for the Storm.
62. Horace Richards
Yarrabah
Finished the season as Yarrabah’s leading tryscorer with 13 meat pies. Showed his great awareness by consistently being in the right place at the right time.
61. Daniel Woodhouse
Kangaroos
Top-notch finisher had a fairly strong season for Kangaroos. Finished the year with eight tries, including a four-try haul early in the year.
60. Jared Allen
Kangaroos
Veteran playmaker and first-year coach laced up the boots as his team struggled with mass injuries, which derailed their season.
59. Kurt Jackson
Mareeba Gladiators
This underrated workhorse was a constant in the Gladiators’ pack, 25-year-old Jackson was among the most consistent performers in the league.
58. Jai Watson
Southern Suburbs
Hardworking outside back who created plenty of chances for his teammates, and scored from five his own. Suburbs’ club player of the year.
57. Zane Prior
Ivanhoes
Outstanding five-eighth who, with Rhylee Herd, steered Ivanhoes to their most successful season in years. Absence noticeable in finals.
56. Lachlan Biondi-Odo
Cairns Brothers
Brilliant season at fullback for Brothers, was brought undone in the finals after a loss of confidence but has shown he has plenty of potential.
55. Andrew Garrett
Innisfail Leprechauns
The versatile, game-breaking fullback provided an extra dynamic to the Leprechauns, using his quickness and slick footwork to bust open gaps in opposition defences.
54. Hayden Golchert
Yarrabah Seahawks
A new face in the Seahawks’ outfit, Golchert knows how to win a title, and that experience placed him in good stead at Yarrabah.
The lock, easily spotted with his black headgear, is a another no-nonsense defender and strong ball carrier.
53. Tamati Huirama
Innisfail Leprechauns
He starred as the back-up hooker to veteran Robert Haren in the finals but you could put Huirama anywhere in the forward pack and he’d get the job done.
Huirama is a tough defender, always willing to rip off a big hit, but was just as astute with the ball tucked under his arm.
52. Theo Majid
Cairns Brothers
The trusty halves partner to captain-coach Jordan Biondi-Odo, Majid played a crucial role in Brothers’ outstanding regular season campaign.
The crafty playmaker provided plenty of balance to the Brothers team, and managed to cross for nine tries of his own in a strong season.
51. Jermaine Pedro
Atherton Roosters
One of the great halfbacks of this competition, the Roosters were never out of a game with Pedro on the field.
It was a tough campaign for Atherton but 31-year-old Pedro was the heart of the Roosters’ strong finish to the season.
50. Fletcher Harrold
Cairns Brothers
The younger of the Harrold brothers, Fletcher showed why he was such a handy addition to the Brethren’s lineup with a solid campaign in the forwards.
A consistent, tough gun who never shied from hard work, Harrold was rewarded for his efforts with four tries and seven goals.
49. Jimmito Harris
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks
The crafty hooker was behind many of the Sharks’ victories this season, as the 24-year-old showed glimpses of his massive potential.
Harris is as consistent as they come at dummy-half, and is often the spark for the Sharks’ attacking raids.
48. Johann Turner
Innisfail Leprechauns
The second rower turned prop played a massive role in Innisfail’s charge to the decider as he rolled up the sleeves and got to work.
Turner produced some big efforts to keep his team in the contest, and was never afraid to take a hit-up when his team needed it.
47. Falcon Peni
Cairns Brothers
Peni was massive for Brothers this season, showing the all-round skill and class which makes him such a highly sought-after centre.
He finished with 86 points from eight tries and 27 goals, providing a valuable goalkicking option as well as a dangerous option in the backline.
46. Samuel Bann
Yarrabah Seahawks
The veteran fullback came into his own during the post-season, proving that speed isn’t everything when you have the experience of this man.
Bann used his smarts in attack and defence to provide Yarrabah with the confidence they need to excel on both sides of the ball at crucial times.
Also scored 11 tries.
45. Taniela Ta’ufo’ou
Innisfail Leprechauns
A gifted centre or second-rower, Ta’ufo’ou was a Pride U20s talent who took his game to the CDRL and showed he could shine against men.
Could be in a for a big 2022.
44. Glenn Dumbrell
Atherton Roosters
The experienced five-eighth was among the most consistent players in the CDRL this season in a tough year for the Roosters.
Despite the results stacking up against Atherton, Dumbrell was among those who always tried, regardless of the game situation, and at the end of the season showed why he among the best as the Roosters finished with a flourish.
Rightly named Atherton’s player of the year.
43. Jackson Clarke
Cairns Brothers
Another of Brothers’ flashy finishers, Clarke was always a danger on the left touchline.
He’s fast, agile, and can score a try from anywhere, which he proved by crossing the strip 13 times as Brothers charged to the minor premiership.
42. Lee Kennedy
Edmonton Storm
Kennedy is among the best but most-unheralded backrowers in the competition, playing a major role in Edmonton’s pack.
Rewarded with a train and trial deal at the Northern Pride.
41. Bronson Ryan
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks
Ryan was an absolute handful for his rival centres, using his size, footwork and speed to wreak havoc on the flanks.
He was as brilliant at creating space for his winger as he was accurate from the tee, as he kicked his way to second on the overall pointscorers list.
40. Charles Murgha
Yarrabah Seahawks
The fine wine of the Cairns District Rugby League.
Playfully known as “the dinosaur” in some parts, Murgha showed experience trumps all as he steered Yarrabah to the premiership.
The 40-year-old was the calming influence his team needed as they turned a massive halftime deficit in the elimination final into glory.
39. Dale Ambrym
Yarrabah Seahawks
One of the great examples of a genuine actions-speak-louder-than-words leader, whenever Yarrabah found themselves in strife, it was Ambrym who put up his hand for a hit-up.
The 30-year-old was inspirational at times for his Seahawks, and it’s fitting he celebrated with the Seahawks’ second premiership in his grasp.
38. Patrick Lewis
Brothers
One of the Brethren’s classy finishers, Lewis had an outstanding season at Stan Williams Park.
While he earned plenty of plaudits for his 11 tries, Lewis was always a danger when he had the Steeden tucked under his arm, and is especially good at taking advantage of tired defences.
37. Matthew Laumea
Tully Tigers
It’s tough a rough old trot for the Tully Tigers but Laumea has been a shining light in a badly beaten pack.
Laumea is one of those men who, regardless of what the scoreboard says, gives 100 per cent to his team. A forwards leader.
36. Rhylee Herd
Ivanhoes
The 24-year-old stepped up for Ivanhoes in a big way as the Knights marched to the finals.
His overall game improved in leaps and bounds behind a dominant forward pack, and he showed that he could be one of the leading playmakers in the competition.
35. Mareko Daniel
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks
The sky is the limit for this playmaker, who has been one of the men pulling the strings for the Sharks in their dominant few years.
Rewarded with a train and trial deal at the Northern Pride.
34. Sterling Addo-Nona
Edmonton Storm
One of the developing talents in the CDRL, Addo-Nona was regarded as one of Edmonton’s best and most consistent players in 2021.
Can play in the halves or fill in at the back if required. Has speed up his sleeve but can see a play or two ahead.
33. Tom Thompson-Dodd
Southern Suburbs
A leader of Suburbs’ forwards, Thompson-Dodd showed glimpses of what he’s capable of in an outstanding season at Gordonvale.
The lock never takes a backwards step, and was rewarded with five tries in a year he announced himself as the future of the Cockatoos’ pack.
32. Yaza Stephen
Innisfail Leprechauns
A talented forward with plenty of size and skill, Stephen is not a man to cross on the footy field.
He is tough, uncompromising, and makes sure his rivals stay hit when defending. The only negative is he sometimes pushed the line a touch too far, but channelled correctly, the aggression makes a major difference.
Rewarded with a train and trial deal at the Northern Pride.
31. Darcy Simpson
Cairns Brothers
An underrated young man who has come through the Northern Pride’s system, Simpson was among the most promising prospects in the CDRL in 2021.
While his overall game still needs a bit of polish to make the jump to the next level, Simpson was consistent, strong, and one of the great team players of the competition.
The Northern Territory product has moved to Brisbane Tigers.
30. Robbie Haren
Innisfail Leprechauns
There’s not much that gets by this crafty veteran hooker, and Haren showed every bit of his experience and leadership in Innisfail’s march to the grand final.
Haren has an innate ability to control the tempo of the game, and more often than not selects the right option for his team to best capitalise on any given situation.
29. Ty Grogan
Atherton Roosters
The crafty fullback-winger came into his own in the latter stages of the season as he rocketed up the pointscoring charts in a tough year for Atherton.
Grogan finished as the third highest pointscorer with 15 tries and 50 goals, and much of that was down to not only his pace at the back, but the way he could bend and surprise the defensive line - then finish the job.
28. Usaia Fonongoloa
Innisfail Leprechauns
Fonongoloa proved he could match it in a senior competition on the back of his barnstorming runs and tough work on the field.
The front-rower was part of the Pride’s under-20s set-up but thrived while playing for Innisfail - a big loss for 2022.
27. Trezman Banjo
Mareeba
Arguably the most exciting youngster in the CDRL, Banjo was a highlight in an otherwise meek season for Mareeba.
The Gladiators were unlucky in plenty of games, but this young fullback brought the right mix of flair, energy and exuberance to be Mareeba’s must-watch talent.
26. Gideon Gela-Mosby
Kangaroos
The former Cowboys flyer was a handy ace for Kangaroos to have up the sleeve this season.
He scored 10 tries for the Mooroobool club as he sought to prove he still has what it takes to compete at Queensland Cup level.
25. Whyatt Barnes
Ivanhoes
He missed a bit of action this year but Barnes was so impressive in his limited appearances that he finished in the top 10 of the CDRL’s Gold Medal.
Barnes is a genuine leader at both ends of the field: he’s a tough-as-nails defender who never misses an opportunity to slam into the opposition.
24. Steven Stafford
Yarrabah Seahawks
There are plenty of good judges across the Far North who rate Stafford as being among the best outside backs in the CDRL, and it’s easy to see why.
On top of his advanced skillset, Stafford has the size which would allow him to compete at the next level.
Rewarded with a train and trial deal at the Northern Pride.
23. Fine Vakautakakala
Edmonton Storm
The New Zealander added an extra edge to the Storm’s pack, and really came into his own in the second half of the season.
At his best, Vakautakakala could be among the leading gamebreakers in the league.
Rewarded with a train and trial deal at the Northern Pride.
22. Keishon Hunter-Flanders
Yarrabah Seahawks
Hunter-Flanders was one of Yarrabah’s “Mr Fix It” men - a utility they could plug into the lineup whenever the game was tight and needed fresh ideas to break the deadlock, or when one of the playmakers went down with injury.
His utility value proved crucial in the post-season.
21. Daniel Mooka
Innisfail Leprechauns
There’s a very good reason why Leon Hallie wanted this man at Innisfail in 2021: Mooka wins.
He’s big, strong, has some brilliant ballplaying ability - and scored 14 tries this season. Add a big boot, and Mooka could easily force his way into the top 20.
20. Tye Smith
Cairns Brothers
Often overlooked but certainly not underappreciated by his Brothers teammates, Tye Smith was workhorse throughout this CDRL season.
An unheralded, hardworking back-rower, Smith became known for his willingness to put his body on the line, whether with or without the ball.
19. Gundyl Costello
Yarrabah Seahawks
The Seahawks flyer came into his own during an outstanding finals series, the centre-wing saving his best until last to celebrate a premiership.
Costello wasn’t really known for tryscoring - he crossed the strip four times in the regular season - but it was the tough carries out of his own end, and brilliant link-up play to set up teammates which proved his worth.
18. Emmerson Whittel
Cairns Brothers
The barnstorming second-rower left a massive mark on the CDRL in his sole season in the competition.
Whittel’s experience, size and power proved far too much for many defenders to contend with, and often he put his team on the front foot after one of those big efforts.
17. Hezron Murgha
Yarrabah Seahawks
The former Northern Pride premiership winner proved he’s still got it as he played a key role in Yarrabah’s glorious end to 2021.
Murgha played at both second row and centre throughout the year, and it was his experience which proved crucial for the Seahawks.
He popped up at crucial times, making big plays in attack and defence when the time called for it.
16. Bradley Stephen
Kangaroos
There’s not much Stephen didn’t do in 2021, with the goalkicking flyer one of the best for Kangaroos throughout the year.
The former Northern Pride-contracted outside back can play anywhere in the back line, and his goalkicking proved a crucial difference for the Mooroobool club.
15. Dave Murphy
Ivanhoes
The big front-rower remains among the best props in the CDRL with another strong season leading Ivanhoes’ forwards.
The former Northern Pride captain was at his typical, workmanlike best for the Knights, and it was off the back of his efforts they were able to launch many an attack.
14. Ty Millard
Kangaroos
The severely underrated hooker was one of the shining lights at Mooroobool this season.
Whether it was his direction at dummy-half, his enthusiastic ball-carrying or physicality in defence, Millard showed why he is so highly rated - and could be even better next year.
He was rewarded with a train and trial deal with the Pride.
13. Jordan Biondi-Odo
Cairns Brothers
Brothers’ goalkicking halfback was instrumental in his side’s phenomenal regular season campaign, as the Brethren lost just once on their way to the minor premiership.
It didn’t work out in the finals, as Brothers were bundled out after a loss in the preliminary final but the playmaker will surely be back in 2022 driven to go two wins better.
12. Dan Sagigi
Innisfail Leprechauns
The experienced front-rower was at his damaging best as the Leprechauns marched to the grand final.
Sagigi has long been one of the most feared front-rowers in the competition - he runs hard and hits harder - and his ability consistently churn out big performances makes him one of the best in the comp.
11. Robbie Amber
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks
Amber was incredible for Mossman-Port Douglas this season, the halfback directing traffic, and his lethal finishers with distinction as he steered the Sharks to the finals.
He scored four tries, but played a crucial role in a heap of his team’s 110 four-pointers, and was a highly-valued goalkicking option when Bronson Ryan (No. 41) was unavailable.
Finished in a five-way tie for sixth in the CDRL Gold Medal.
10. Stanley Anau
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks
The speedy winger was almost untouchable at times, and reinforced why he is arguably the best winger in the competition by scoring 20 tries.
He is so fast, so elusive, that if he gets the ball with just a tiny bit of space he can find a way to burst through and leave defenders clutching at thin air in no time.
Anau was the CDRL’s joint top tryscorer with teammate Matthew Gibuma.
9. Nick Harrold
Cairns Brothers
How many middle forwards have scored four tries in a single game?
It would be disingenuous to measure Harrold’s impact in the amount of tries he's scored, but the fact he was Brothers’ second highest tryscorer speaks volumes to what he did on the field.
He is an absolute handful for any opposition, and provided much-needed go-forward and leadership for the Brethren in their march to the minor premiership.
8. Coleridge Dabah
Yarrabah Seahawks
The Seahawks pivot is just one part of a Yarrabah Seahawks squad which was capable of producing magic on the field.
The 28-year-old Dabah has every tool at his disposal - the vision, the step, the footwork, the agility and kicking game - to put his team in position to win.
Dabah’s penchant of playing his natural game gets the best out of him, and when partnered with an experienced or organising halfback, allows him to operate at a full and free capacity.
7. Clint Posselt
Mareeba Gladiators
The runner-up in the CDRL Gold Medal, Posselt was incredible in his return to the Gladiators in 2021.
Whether it was the defensive workload, his organisation from dummy half, the quick reads and consistent selection of the best attacking options or the simple stuff, like his talk, Posselt was at the top of his game.
He injected plenty of enthusiasm and experience into the Mareeba side, and could be even better in 2022.
6. Matthew Gibuma
Mossman Port Douglas Sharks
Is Matthew Gibuma the fastest man in the CDRL?
Gibuma’s unrivalled pace is his best attribute, but when you watch his support play, vision and ability to read ahead of the play, you see just how dangerous this fullback is.
Add in the 20 tries he scored this year, the equal-highest with Sharks winger Stanley Anau to again top the tryscoring leaderboard, and you have one of the most potent weapons in the competition.
5. Cephas Chinfat
Southern Suburbs
Chinfat does it all for Southern Suburbs.
The stats show he scored 10 tries, kicked six goals, but his impact on the field runs much deeper than a few pen strokes in the scorebook.
He’s as much an organiser as he is a motivator, and his ability as a speedy, ball-playing utility back allows Chinfat to influence Suburbs from either of two crucial positions: fullback or five-eighth.
Consistently among the best individual performers in the CDRL, Chinfat finished in an three-way tie for third in the CDRL Gold Medal race.
Now concentrating solely on the CDRL, Chinfat could be a bigger danger in 2022.
4. Julian Christian
Innisfail Leprechauns
This crafty, dynamic playmaker was a mid-season pick-up for Innisfail and he instantly proved he was a step ahead of the rest.
Christian has long been in elite systems, and when he wore the Leprechauns’ No. 7 jersey for the first time, it instantly elevated Innisfail to premiership favouritism.
He has operated at a higher level courtesy of his long service in elite systems, whether that’s at Kirwan State High School, the Broncos’ (at U20s) or Ipswich Jets, and you could see that class as soon as he returned to FNQ.
He fell just short of taking Innisfail to the premiership, but was rewarded for his form by picking up a deal at the Northern Pride.
3. Ammiel Harris
Yarrabah Seahawks
The Seahawks do not win the second premiership of their history in the CDRL without a man like Harris at No.9.
The 23-year-old hooker could do anything in this game, and he proved it week-in, week-out, as he steered Yarrabah to success.
Charged with steering the most unpredictable, exciting and free-ranging attacks in the competition, Harris simply shone.
A deep connection with the men around him definitely helped, but Harris had the vision to not only read the game two or three plays ahead, but to also see what his teammates were setting up for - and usually made the right decision from dummy half.
For all of the attacking brilliance Yarrabah is said to display, it starts with Harris getting his hands on the football and making the first crucial decision.
When that ends up with a premiership, it’s easy to see why he finished in an three-way tie for third in the CDRL Gold Medal race, and was crowned Yarrabah’s best individual performer at the club’s presentation night.
2. Aaron Jolley
Innisfail Leprechauns
A utility player in every sense of the word, Jolley has been among the most consistent players in the competition over the past few seasons.
He’s played in every position in the spine, and while he was primarily a five-eighth in 2021 there were times he slotted into hooker or fullback, as he had in previous years, and was still among the best in those positions.
It’s clear to see why Leps coach Leon Hallie likes Jolley.
He is as well-rounded a footballer as there is in the CDRL (and there’s little doubt the 28-year-old would hold his own at the next level), with the way he reads the game and steers his men into position among his best attributes.
There’s not a weakness to his game, with Jolley a hard-hitting and strong defender as well as a master puppeteer with the ball in his hands.
Jolley also has as strong an ability to sniff out a try as he does the accuracy when kicking from the tee, and with 12 tries and 57 goals (and four field goals) he was crowned the CDRL’s top pointscorer.
Finished in an three-way tie for third in the CDRL Gold Medal race.
1. Jacob Wallace
Ivanhoes
Most footballers will have good and bad games in any campaign, but Wallace, he was on another level this season.
You could barely find a poor 40 minutes let alone game from the Ivanhoes hooker, such was the standard and consistency with which he performed in 2021.
Wallace won the Gold Medal by eight votes - he had the CDRL’s greatest individual honour wrapped up halfway through the regular season - and it was clear why.
At its most basic, he was the best.
Ivanhoes were far from a one-man team, but Wallace put the Knights on his back with his consistently dominant performances.
He is a workman in defence but can spur an attack with the ball in hand with his speed out of dummy half.
He had the vision, the kicking and passing game to play that key role in Ivanhoes reaching the post-season for the first time in four years.
Wallace amassed 122 points from nine tries and 43 goals, which just added more weight to his compelling case to be No.1.
Combine all of those factors, and you have the man rated as the best footballer in the CDRL in 2021, Jacob Wallace.
Do you agree with the list? Let us know in the comments, or by email: sport@cairnspost.com.au.
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
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Originally published as The Knights who impressed in charge to CDRL finals
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