100 stars: Queensland’s best grassroots rugby league players of 2022
Queensland’s first grade rugby league competitions are littered with talent. Here are 100 of the best senior players to watch in 2023. SEE THE FULL LIST
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Meet Queensland rugby league’s true grassroots giants, the men and women creating local legends on suburban footy fields across the state.
While the NRL and NRLW might possess bright lights and star power, these are the part-time players who ignited first grade competitions in 2022.
From former elite stars giving back to the game, to emerging talents ready for a shot at higher honours, to those just playing for love, each player has their own story to tell.
In Cairns, Southern Suburbs’ Zack Sosiak overcame a string of injuries to be voted Queensland’s best men’s grassroots outside back earlier this year.
“He’s a team-first kind of guy who knows how to finish off a try,” Southern Suburbs coach Paul Stevens said.
“He takes knocks every week and just keeps getting up.”
Gympie Devils hooker and civil engineer Haydin Elsebach, meanwhile, battled back from an ACL tear to claim the mantle as the best men’s playmaker.
“If the opportunity came up with the Sunshine Coast Falcons I would definitely take it but I’m also pretty happy with where I am at the moment just with work and everything else,” he said.
A humble Tyson Burke-Phineasa hailed the influence of former NRL player and Northern Pride coach Ty Williams as he claimed the best forward award.
“Ty’s given me the standards I need to reach,” the Cairns Kangaroos prop said.
“I felt more confident with my size and strength this year.
“But I don’t like to be singled out, I’m a team player.”
In women’s competitions, 21-year-old Lilly Green was voted the best female player in first grade competitions across Queensland.
Like her dad Craig and grandfather Bob, Lilly was also a premiership winner for Wests Panthers (2019) in the Brisbane competition.
“It was really special to do that as a woman,’’ Green said.
“It is important to have that (premiership) history in my family, but it is important to also do it for women of the past who may not have been able to play rugby league.”
From Far North Queensland to Mt Isa and down to the Gold Coast, these are 100 of Queensland’s best senior first grade players of 2022.
SEE THE FULL LIST BELOW
Jordan Jackson (Beerwah Bulldogs)
The crafty hooker really stamped her mark on the women’s competition in 2022 with standout performances across the board. It’s clear the 18 year old has plenty of potential with her eye-catching long ball, her work in and around the ruck and her credibility in the defensive line.
Tyson Burke-Phineasa (Cairns Kangaroos)
Another young but outstanding backrow prospect in the Far North, Phineasa has the size and mobility to wreak havoc on the edge.
An astute defender, Phineasa produced plenty of highlights this year either taking on the line, finding the perfect pass or offload to set up a try – or scoring them himself.
Lance Cope (Mt Isa Wanderers)
It was quite the season for Cope, who helped Wanderers to a 20-18 grand final victory over Town in the Mt Isa competition in September.
He also took out the Wanderers’ Billy Sewter Memorial Club Player award, plus Best Forward.
Portia Bourke (Valleys Diehards)
Bourke was outstanding for the Diehards in the SEQW Premiership. She played centre throughout the year and her efforts helped Valleys win the minor premiership. She has followed in the footsteps of her dad, David Bourke, who played fullback for a strong Valleys squad in the 80s.
Kelly Shadlow (Rockhampton Brothers)
Shadlow made his A-grade debut in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of Rockhampton Brothers’ best forwards.
He plays with a maturity beyond his years and was a major contributor to the team’s progression to the A-grade grand final, which they lost 26-16 to Yeppoon.
He has a real hunger; he loves the contest and doesn’t know when he’s beaten. He is a strong defender and good ball runner and at only 18, is only going to get better.
Jairel Martin-Savage (Western Lions)
Martin-Savage is an up-and-coming livewire who can play dummy half or in the halves. She has the ability to play eyes-up attacking football and she can turn a game in an instant with her blistering pace and knack for finding space. She is also a great defender who can bring down much larger players.
Ammiel Harris (Yarrabah)
The crafty hooker has long been considered among the best players in this league, and he shows it every time he pulls on the Seahawks jersey. He has a quality kicking game, an unexpected turn of pace and the vision to make his side one of the most dangerous in the competition when he’s on.
Joshua Abbott (Townsville Brothers)
Abbott won Rugby League Townsville & District’s award for Best Forward in A Grade, playing back row in almost every game of the season.
He’s a rangy, big backrower that runs a good line and has a nice offload. His connection with right-edge partner Harry McQueen at centre was outstanding this season.
Indianna Tillett (Kangaroos)
The junior touch footy sensation was reportedly a bit apprehensive about playing league but she shone in her debut season for Kangaroos.
The flyer, who starred at centre, finished level with Kaiyla Ward for top try scorer with 11 tries in the regular season, and had four in the qualifying final.
Outstanding talent with the footy in hand, Tillett claimed the Dep Gallop Medal for rookie of the year.
Eni Folau (Southport)
The younger brother of former NRL superstar Israel Folau, Eni Folau has set about forging his own path on the Gold Coast.
A tireless lock with a bit of flair about him, Folau’s Tigers coach lauded him the premier forward in the competition.
Hayley O’Keefe (Charters Towers)
O’Keefe was crowned the Townsville competition’s best back after a breakout season with the Miners.
The 17-year-old centre regularly beats defenders with her stunning turn of pace, and has great hands that make her a constant threat in attack.
Whyatt Barnes (Ivanhoes)
A tough, hard-running back-rower who has made life tough for any defender. He has taken his game to another level since earning a contract with the Northern Pride, and when on duty for the Knights he’s been near-unstoppable.
Justin Asse (Norths Chargers)
One of the form outside backs in the Rockhampton A-grade competition over the last few years who continues to perform at a high level. Asse has played a lot of representative football and is still involved with the CQ Capras. An experienced player with an amazing work ethic who is also a great communicator.
Sam Broomhall (Warwick Cowboys)
A no-nonsense determined player who works hard across the full 80 minutes.
Originally from Kingaroy, Broomhall joined Brisbane Norths and played four years of colts footy before making his debut in the Hostplus Cup.
He spent two seasons playing in London before his successful return to Warwick in 2019.
Matthew Koellner (Tugun Seahawks)
One of the most hard working props in the Rugby League Gold Coast competition.
Even when playing injured, Koellner manages to make a huge impact, carrying defenders in his wake with every carry.
If he had his way he’d play 80 minutes every week.
Samson Graham (Brighton Roosters)
He was the Roosters best in 2022 by a long way.
He was a defensive workhorse who just keeps turning up with repeat efforts. He is also safe with the ball and has a penchant for crashing over close to the line. Like a fine red wine, he gets better with age.
Jack Pattie (Rockhampton Brothers)
Tough and tenacious, this talented hooker never knows when to quit. A strong ball runner and fearless defender, he loves the contest and gives it his all.
He swept the pool at the Rockhampton Brothers’ awards night, winning the club’s Player of the Year, as well as being named the A-grade men’s team Player of the Year and Best Forward.
Mitchell Grimes (Herbert River Crushers)
Grimes is a ball-playing lock that probably has better ball skills than some of the halves and five-eighths getting around the Townsville competition.
The Crushers use his strength with some of their attacking structures, and he acts as a crucial link in the middle of the field between the team’s halves Mitchell Seri and Aaron Solari.
Elle Mollenhauer (South Burnett)
The emerging talent claimed South Burnett’s Best Forward gong, helping her inexperienced side make the Wide Bay grand final.
Not even a 12-10 loss in the decider could spoil the season for Mollenhauer, who was
selected in the regional team.
Paige Horvat (Herbert River)
The Crushers’ fullback and captain, Horvat leads by example and is dangerous every time she returns the ball from kicks.
Don’t give her too much space or she will hurt you.
Jackson Gisinger (Nambour Crushers)
He’s a five-eighth in a second-rower’s body and Gisinger has proven a threat in attack every time he’s around the footy.
Stated by his coach as being “six foot twenty” the flair-filled forward holds plenty of elite attributes in his duffel bag.
Gisinger ranked fifth across Queensland for best first grade footballer, also finishing top spot among Sunshine Coast players.
Prue Peters (Townsville Brothers)
Peters is an up-and-coming player at Brothers whose knowledge of the game far surpasses her age. Peters plays at lock for the under-19s Townsville Blackhawks, but plays at five-eighth for her club.
As well as being a very tough defender, she possesses a complete range of skills including a great pass and a talent for putting her teammates into space.
Jean-Shannel ‘Jeasha’ Robati (Ormeau Shearers)
Robati had an amazing year and was a deserving winner of the Shearers’ Best and Fairest in season 2022.
A passionate player who thrives on a challenge, she gave her all every time she set foot on the field. Her versatility was an added bonus; she could ably fill a range of positions from second row to centre, prop to hooker.
Austin Jennings (Wattles)
Made the move to Wattles this year and has been simply unstoppable scoring more than a try a match.
The centre is one of the most exciting and quickest young talents in the competition.
Tarnysha Costelloe (Yeppoon)
The versatile rookie cemented herself as one of Yeppoon’s best in her first season, with her courageous runs able to swing the momentum of a game.
The skilful lock’s footwork and speed at the line made her dangerous attacking in the middle, while her plays out wide meant she regularly found the tryline.
Brock Diment (Valleys)
Has played just about everywhere in the backline over the past 12 months, but is right at home at the back or in the centres. A good defender and has a real game sense about him.
Akayla McQuire (Fitzroy/Gracemere)
One of the most influential players in the Rockhampton Rugby League competition, McGuire leads by example. She has established herself as one of the best defensive players in the competition but also has the ability to turn a game with her attacking ability.
Jace O’Neill (Yeppoon)
Strong, fast and skilful, O’Neill plays similar to Melbourne Storm’s Justin Olam with bone-rattling tackles and explosive runs. He is someone his teammates love to play with; everything he does is to benefit the team. His ability to find the line is second to none, and his teammates often look to him to create something out of nothing.
Daniel Jennings (Toowoomba Brothers)
A sizeable centre that is quick on his feet and agile.
Made the move to Brothers and was a solid contributor throughout the season.
His best form has him among the top strike weapons.
Lochlan James (Tannum Seagulls)
Impresses each and every game for Tannum’s A-grade side with his understanding and ability to read a game and take opportunities when he sees them.
His inclusion in the Gladstone A-grade representative team for the past two seasons is testament to his skill and dedication.
He is maturing as a player and is proving an inspiration for the younger players within the club.
Marley Wosomo (Brothers Rockhampton)
This teenage pocket rocket set the Rockhampton A-grade competition alight this season. Super fast and elusive, if he’s in the clear he’s very hard to run down. He looks after his side of the field well, defending strongly and organising his edge.
Liam Quinn (Yeppoon)
A dynamic outside back who mostly plays on the wing, Quinn can do it all – score tries, set up tries and kick goals. He has many positive attributes, among them his Scott Minto-like goose step and his blistering speed.
Cyron Tull (Fitzroy/Gracemere)
This youngster brings the X-factor to the Sharks’ line-up, doing some freakish things with the ball in hand or off the boot.
He is the complete package and is not afraid to back himself when he sees an opportunity. He was one of the second-highest points scorer in the Rockhampton Rugby League competition.
Tyreese Johnson (Norths Chargers)
This talented 19-year-old burst on to the A-grade scene in 2022, scoring five tries on debut. He has an incredible skill set which allows him to play fullback, centre or winger, though he has predominantly played centre for Norths this season. Johnson has been a regular in Rockhampton representative teams as he worked through the ranks. He is an exciting prospect with plenty of potential.
Lesley Brown (Emu Park)
Big and mobile with an incredible skill set, Brown is the captain of the Emu Park Emus. Boasting a wealth of experience, he leads from the front with his on-field actions and his work ethic is second to none.
Matt Skaife (Brothers)
The Brothers Mackay captain is viewed by many as the best at his position in Mackay Rugby League. As safe as they come under a high ball and elusive in broken play, Skaife will be instrumental in his side’s push for finals in season 2022.
Samara Luta (Centrals)
One of the North Queensland Gold Stars players who came back to the team this year, Luta’s efforts on the field are always above and beyond what is asked of her.
The 25-year-old five-eighth also helps out with all the junior players coming through and she’s great support for everyone at the club off the field.
Kyle Williams (Mudgeeraba Redbacks)
In and among a team largely consisting of young guns on the rise, Williams’ composure at fullback has been a key cog in the Redbacks success.
While he missed the Chairman’s Challenge carnival with the Gold Coast Vikings for family reasons, his communication at the back for Mudgeeraba has enabled his side to register shock wins over competition heavyweights such as Southport.
He has quickly become the leader needed to have the Redbacks on course for a surprise premiership tilt.
Ta’ Steere (Yeppoon)
A hard-working middle forward who epitomises the term “punching above one’s weight”.
Her work rate in defence is second to none, with undoubtedly one of the highest tackle rates in the comp.
In attack, she always puts her hand up for hard work, taking the first two hit-ups with tough carries and managing to back up with support play. Steere’s ability to find an offload and play off the cuff makes her a danger in attack. After being named the CQ Capras Rookie of the Year, her future looks bright.
Esera Tapeli Esera (Valleys)
He is one of the finest finishers in the BRL, featuring a strong carry bringing his team out of trouble.
Made his name playing rugby union in the GPS competition but is very much a rising league star these days.
Tyler Han (Runaway Bay Seagulls)
Fleet footed and incredibly dynamic, Han’s shift to fullback this season has made an immediate impression.
While the former Tweed Seagull has typically played in the halves, Runaway Bay moved him into the No. 1 jumper this year to maximise his running game.
His form earned him a Hostplus Cup debut for the Papua New Guinea Hunters, during which he scored a try.
Steven Stafford (Moranbah)
The premiership winning centre is a quality finisher, but it is the extra work that makes Stafford so highly rated.
Solidly built with good defence, handy acceleration and tackle busting running, Stafford is seen as a premier centre in the CDRL and recently spent an off-season with the Northern Pride.
Ty Grogan (Atherton)
The goalkicking utility has become one of the form fullbacks of the 2022 season.
Grogan scored almost twice as many points as his nearest rival through a combination of his accurate goalkicking and his ability to find the try line.
One of the most consistent members of the Roosters outfit.
Jerry Pati (Hervey Bay)
Talented young centre or winger who is still learning the code but improving fast.
From a rugby union background in his native New Zealand, Pati has been touted as having the potential to head south to Brisbane at the end of the year to have a shot at higher levels.
Brian Schrieber (Yarrabah)
An underrated workhorse, Schrieber is the prop forward every club needs. He’s always willing to put in the hard work, whether that’s through his countless hit-ups or on the defensive side of the game, and has the ability to offload — always a dangerous proposition for a team that plays like Yarrabah.
Xavier Manley (Dalby Diehards)
An impossibly hard man to tackle and get around in defence.
Leads his team by example, as the Diehards secured fifth spot on the ladder thanks to the efforts of Manley.
Nick Harrold (Cairns Brothers)
Harrold is a veteran lock who was one of his club’s most influential men in their run to the finals.
An experienced campaigner with plenty of tricks up his sleeve, Harrold is solid on both sides of the ball and can still come up with a gamebreaking play.
Nick Finnie (Pittsworth Danes)
An unlikely looking forward who works tirelessly and always picks up metres.
Played a key role in his side’s handful of wins in the Toowoomba competition.
Sione Lopamaua (Oakey Bears)
Among the best ball running props in the competition – Lopamaua’s addition has changed the way teams look at the Bears.
Oakey look like a team on the rise after finishing eighth.
Shannon Hicks (Gatton Hawks)
Has a massive engine and will go for the full 80 minutes and won’t stop trying.
Hicks is known to play with his heart on his sleeve and always has a real sense of commitment.
Will Solway (Maroochydore Swans)
The former Canterbury Cup and Ron Massey Cup prop forward has been a major boost to the green and black outfit in recent seasons. His size, experience and passion for the game has helped lift his on ball skills to a new level in their 2022 premiership winning season.
Travis Long (Kawana Dolphins)
The long time influential Kawana forward has been a driving force behind the Dolphins in recent years. The 2017 division one player of the year is an all out wrecking ball in attack and a brick wall in defence.
Zane Knowles (Ivanhoes)
Knowles evolved into one of the best and most consistent performers in the CDRL this season. He played in multiple positions, mostly at hooker or in the back-row, gets through a mountain of work in attack and defence, and is a handy goalkicker to boot.
Tayler McCann (Caloundra Sharks)
The explosive Sharks prop forward was a new addition to the yellow and black outfit in 2022 after previously playing in Sydney in the Ron Massey Cup. His size and skill with the footy makes him a threat every time he runs the ball.
Not just tackles but bone-rattlers.
Makayla Matt-West (Noosa Pirates)
The consistent and hard-working forward creates havoc when she gets her hands on the ball and knows how to hit a gap from anywhere on the park. Her relentless work ethic in attack and defence helps her perform as one of Noosa’s best week-in, week-out.
Jacob Stephan (Norths)
Lock Jacob Stephan is one of Norths more mature players. He’s a very tenacious defender and really stepped up this year playing exceptional footy. His defence was unstoppable, nothing got through him and he made the most tackles all year.
Grace Giampino (Caboolture Snakes)
The all-round positional player is a rampaging ball runner said to run like a freight train. Her work at back row or in the centres makes her extremely hard to stop and she has the footy IQ to always put the opposition defensive line in two minds.
Nataliah Backo (Townsville Norths)
A hard-hitting and hard-running forward, Backo combines speed and strength with aggression. A member of the CQ Capras Harvey Norman under-19 women‘s side, she was awarded Norths’ Best and Fairest for the second year in a row.
Stephanie Mooka (Edmonton)
The former Maroons Origin and Indigenous All Stars representative was monumental for Edmonton throughout the campaign.
Her size, speed, skill, and vision allowed the Storm to start her at lock and gradually move her to fullback, the outside backs, or elsewhere in the forwards – utility value which came in handy more than once. A kicking game built on the back of years of Aussie rules footy was showcased in her dominant grand final performance, when she was Player of the Match.
Harrison Rideout (Brothers Gladstone)
Rideout is a hard-running five-eighth who plays like an extra lock for Brothers Gladstone. He is rock-solid in defence and can tackle all day. An all-round tough 80-minute player.
Zack Lamont (Townsville Norths)
The prodigious Cowboys-contracted playmaker has won the battle for the Devils’ No. 7 jersey since returning from Queensland Under-18s and Blackhawks duties. Lamont, a Sunshine Coast junior formerly contracted by the Storm, was spotted playing for Easts and Churchie in Brisbane’s prestigious GPS First XV competition.
Alicia Foord (Townsville Brothers)
Foord is a very elusive halfback that played for Brothers as well as the North Queensland Gold Stars. She has a great mind for the game and is a master of spotting weaknesses in defensive lines. Foord has a strong kicking game, and her quickness off the mark constantly catches defenders slacking off.
Charles Murgha (Yarrabah)
A fierce but smart competition, veteran Seahawk Murgha has shown no sign of slowing down despite his age.
A cerebral operator who has played alongside or against most men in this competition – and, in some cases, their fathers – over his long career, Murgha can turn a game with his kicking game or willingness to chance his arm.
Mary-Jane ‘MJ’ Waia (Western Lions)
Waia is a strong, skilfully gifted fullback with an immense running game. She can find the try line in attack and can also defend her own extremely well. A player with a great football brain, Waia is the complete rugby league package.
Thomas Packer (Roma Cities)
The club legend led Cities to a third consecutive grand final win to further enforce his mantle as a true grassroots great.
The Queensland Outback rep player helped ensure his club team enjoyed another undefeated campaign thanks to the 36-10 victory over Mitchell Magpies.
Haydin Elsebach (Gympie Devils)
The former Easts Tigers playmaker has brought a wealth of experience and starpower to the Devils in recent seasons. The talented dummy half commands respect at the back of the play-the-ball and more often than not will put the opposition in two minds.
Kazzi Doyle (Norths Chargers)
A young player with a bright future, Doyle has quickly developed into the premier number six in the Rockhampton A-grade competition. After making his A-grade debut in 2021, he swept the competition’s awards, winning Rookie of the Year and the prestigious Ollie Howden Medal for Rocky’s best and fairest player, a feat never before achieved in the history of the awards.
Stevie Ray Haenga-Albert (Kawana Dolphins)
In a team full of creativity and flair Haenga-Albert has made a huge impression on his Kawana teammates and opposition players. The New Zealand-born player slots in anywhere necessary for the Dolphins and picks his opportunities to take on the defensive line extremely well.
David Oakes (Nambour Crushers)
Highly touted Nambour playmaker David Oakes has been a prominent figure within senior Sunshine Coast rugby league for more than eight years. The man with the magic boot and the colourful on-field chat is a terrific organiser and his work on the ball dictates the flow and pace of the game from start to finish.
Matt Duggan (Wattles)
You’d be hard pressed to find a better half in the state. Duggan has been one of the TRL’s top players for years – regularly sacrificing his body as he runs into the line to help get his team on the front foot.
Wade Fickling (Yeppoon Seagulls)
With a physique more reminiscent of an ‘80s footballer, Fickling is proof that good things can come in big packages. With a skill set resembling some of the greats of the game, his sleight of hand and football intellect means he’s of the first picked for any Seagulls’ side.
Jacob Reid (Rockhampton Brothers)
As good in defence as attack, Reid always gives 100 per cent when he runs out for the Brethren. He has an uncanny knack of being able to create something special when his team needs it.
Theo Majid (Kangaroos)
An experienced customer who has thrived in his change of scenery, Majid may well be the missing piece for a Kangaroos’ tilt at the trophy.
Majid’s ability to read a game and his decision-making have lifted Kangaroos into a genuine premiership threat this year.
Lilly Green (Wests Panthers)
Like Sheedy, Green is another top flight footballer from the BMD Premiership not in the NRLW.
A fullback or winger, Green is a smart footballer, which is little surprise given both her father Craig (1990s) and grandfather Bob (1070s) were Wests Panthers’ premiership winners. Green also displayed good communication and game awareness.
Caleb Foster (Atherton)
Another experienced head at Atherton, Foster’s combination with Pedro has grown over the years and was behind the Roosters’ superb start to 2022.
Can do any job that is required, but his experience and ability to work with his halves partner and control the tempo of a game are his biggest attributes.
Jack White (Rockhampton Brothers)
White is Brothers’ ‘Mr Dependable’. Calm under pressure, he has great ball skills and is solid in defence and is not afraid to take a hit-up when required. He boasts a raft of experience which shows in every aspect of his game.
Mitch Seri (Herbert River Crushers)
Veteran player-coach who has played 18 seasons in A-Grade in the Townsville competition. Had a decent playing career with the Northern Pride and Townsville Blackhawks. Might not have the speed any more but is able to use his footy smarts to get his team around the park, using his tactical kicking game.
Patrice Chambers (Wynnum-Manly)
Another non-NRLW player worthy of the best club player mantle, Chambers was a crafty little dummy half who knew her way around the field. She was on the tip sheet of every opposition coach.
Daniel Woodhouse (Kangaroos)
The man known as “Woody” has developed into arguably the premier winger in the CDRL.
He has always had the footwork, turn of pace and ability to get around his defenders and score tries, but Woodhouse has added strength and confidence to his repertoire after spending the off-season with the Northern Pride.
Woodhouse has been earmarked for a Hostplus Cup debut later this year.
Traevonnah Fisher (South Burnett)
One to watch after breaking into both the Wide Bay regional side as well as the Queensland Sapphires under-19 squad for the National Championships.
Fisher claimed Best Back alongside Michelle Alberts for South Burnett in a breakout season.
Jake O’Doherty (Swifts)
Front rower O’Doherty has played everywhere. When you run on and pack into a scrum people say ‘where’s Jake?’. He has the fear factor.
His timing in defence is immaculate and some of the hits he pulls off just break humans. He has a knack of standing up when his side is on the ropes. He gets everyone up with his game-changing hits.
Layne Ivey (Rockhampton Brothers)
The gun fullback always has her team on the front foot with her outstanding kick return and ability to gain valuable metres from her jinking runs. As well as her flair in attack, her talk and direction from the back are integral in defence. A player with plenty of potential, Ivey was voted Brothers’ Best Back this year.
Zack Sosiak (Southern Suburbs)
A noted tryscorer with speed to burn, Sosiak has cemented his place on one of Southern Suburbs’ flanks in 2022.
He is a good finisher, with pace and some fairly fancy footwork which makes him a threat never to be underestimated.
Was a popular player in the outside backs voting.
Memphis Waerea (Brothers Rockhampton)
This young gun, who has played at both wing and centre in the opening rounds, is making a big impression in his first year in A-grade. He is outstanding in both attack and defence. When he attacks the ball he goes hard and in defence he doesn’t take a backward step.
Deklin Huth (Brothers Gladstone)
A great communicator at the back, Huth chimes into the backline with plenty of speed and skill. His on-field enthusiasm is infectious and he reads the game incredibly well.
Solid in defence and dynamic in attack, he has impressive ball skills and is a great decision-maker.
Dylan Carolan (Caloundra)
A new addition to the Sharks this season, Carolan has made his presence quickly felt around the league with his overall skill around the footy.
His quick, strong and skilful nature with the ball in hand helps him draw comparisons to Broncos star Kotoni Staggs.
Carolan is one of the Sunshine Coast’s top 50 sporting stars to watch.
Krystal Sulter (Tannum)
An incredible role model, Sulter has had a positive influence on the younger brigade in the Tannum women’s line-up. Whether playing at fullback or hooker, the pocket rocket gives 100 per cent and inspires those around her.
Her enthusiasm at training is something she always carries onto the park and she never leaves anything in the tank with her tireless efforts. Was a key member of the CQ Capras’ women’s team who were runners-up in the BMD Premiership in 2022.
Dakota Tolhurst (Kawana)
An explosive centre that demands plenty of respect and caution when he has the ball in hand.
Tolhurst holds a duffel bag full of skills and attributes for his team and holds his own off the ball just as well.
Jasmine Walters (Rockhampton Brothers)
The talented No. 9 played a key role in Rockhampton Brothers’ premiership win. Incredibly crafty out of dummy half, she is dangerous close to the line, either scoring the try or throwing the pass that results in a four-pointer.
A born leader, her organisational skills are outstanding, as is her aggression in defence. Walters was Brothers women’s Player of the Year in season 2022.
Steve Franciscus (Dalby)
One of the veterans of the league, but is still producing the goods on the field. So experienced out in the centres and has one of the best football brains in the league. Solid in attack and defence.
Samartha Leisha (Emu Park)
The barnstorming second rower made a successful transition to halfback in season 2022. She excelled in her new position, displaying great ball skills and her damaging runs made her virtually unstoppable near the line. Leisha won the Rockhampton Rugby League’s Women’s Player of the Year.
She also captained the Rockhampton Rustlers representative team to the grand final at the 47th Battalion.
Chris Woodbridge (Goondiwindi)
Has the potential to be in the conversation as one of the league’s best backs in the near future. Lightning quick with a great ability to read the play and take full advantage of what’s in front of him.
Wade Austin (Southern Suburbs)
Another that was a Mustangs regular, Austin lines up in the centres for Souths. A solid all-round player that has found his home out wide, giving the Tigers a class touch.
Maddy Hegarty (Norths)
Hegarty is a skilful second rower that has the ability to organise and ball play like a half. She scored five tries this year in a norths team that struggled.
Mitch Watson (Warwick)
A big, strong centre that can fill in at fullback when required, Watson has cemented his place as a regular in representative sides. Can turn nothing into something.
He produced one of the top 25 moments of the 2021 season.
Michael Carroll (Townsville Norths)
Carroll, a Townsville boy plays for Norths and has come through the Blackhawks allocation and offers a lot of experience.
Known as the Ferrari during his time in the Hostplus Cup.
John Cullen (Townsville Brothers)
The Brothers centre is considered by some of the finest outside back in North Queensland not to be playing in the Hostplus Cup. Cullen is waiting in the wings at the Blackhawks for his shot at unleashing his package of power and speed that make him Townsville Rugby League’s answer to Kotoni Staggs.
Stephanie Monday (Burdekin)
Monday led the North Queensland competition with 25 tries, 12 more than second-placed Ieysha Dempsey. The goalkicking halfback was named the Townsville competition’s Player of the Year, and she was the club’s clear standout player.
Carlin Anderson (Brothers)
The former Broncos and Cowboys fullback was once considered one of Queensland’s most exciting NRL prospects.
A series of injuries derailed his professional career but Anderson has found a new home in the centres for Townsville Brothers while flying in and flying out of a job in mining. When healthy, few players can match his talent.
Blake Heitmann (Charters Towers)
The reigning Townsville Rugby League U19s back of the year reminds of Titans fullback Jayden Campbell: both are short and wiry but possess undeniable X-factor.
Quick, good ball skills, instinctive and humble as well. Heitmann has a bright future at Charters Towers.
More Coverage
Originally published as 100 stars: Queensland’s best grassroots rugby league players of 2022
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