Rockhampton Rugby League reserve grade competition’s top 12 players

The reserve grade division is a great mix of youth and experience. We identify 12 of the best and what they bring to their respective teams.

Yeppoon's Brad Hay and Brothers' Andrew Parker were two of the standout players in the Rockhampton Rugby League reserve grade competition in 2023.

With rugby league’s greatest prize - the NRL premiership trophy - now back in Penrith, we turn the spotlight on some of the leading players on the Central Queensland footy scene.

Six teams battled it out in the Rockhampton Rugby League reserve grade competition in 2023.

The season culminated in a thrilling grand final, with Rockhampton Brothers claiming back-to-back titles with a thrilling 26-22 win over Biloela Panthers.

The reserve grade division boasts plenty of talent, from the experienced campaigners to up-and-comers getting their first taste of senior footy or looking to break into the top grade.

Here we feature 12 players who stood out in their respective teams.

Rye Steel.

Rye Steel

Club: Rockhampton Brothers

Position: Front row

Comment: Competitive prop who never takes a backward step. Always gets Brothers on the front foot and capable of playing some big minutes.

Andrew Parker.

Andrew Parker

Club: Rockhampton Brothers

Position: Centre

Comment: Inspirational captain who was instrumental in Brothers’ hard-fought grand final victory. A strong ball carrier who is dynamic in attack and always reliable in defence.

Ryan Wilson.

Ryan Wilson

Club: Biloela Panthers

Position: Five-eighth

Comment: A former Q-Cup player whose experience and sublime skills were integral in Biloela’s march to the grand final. He leads by example and always gives 100 percent. A great mentor and a respected rival. Was named the club’s 2023 Footballer of the Year.

Ethan Horrocks.

Ethan Horrocks

Club: Biloela Panthers

Position: Second row

Comment: Made an impressive return to rugby league this season after a lengthy break. A textbook tackler who is very solid defensively. Keeps a cool head under pressure and plays the game in the right spirit. A consistent 80-minute player.

Brad Hay.

Brad Hay

Club: Yeppoon Seagulls

Position: Centre/back row

Comment: Fittingly nicknamed ‘Crowbar’, Hay is one of the hardest hitters in the Rockhampton Rugby League competition. He also has plenty of speed and deft footwork.

Eric ‘Slick’ North

Club: Yeppoon Seagulls

Position: Wing

Comment: Lightning fast, he has a great kick return and strong carry out of defence. Safe as a house under the high ball, he is also a great finisher.

David Morgan

Club: Emu Park

Position: Front row

Comment: A tough customer who is very physical and hard for defences to contain. Won the team’s Players’ Player award for 2023.

Graham Thomas

Club: Emu Park

Position: Hooker

Comment: Experienced and crafty, the Emus’ captain is unpredictable and keeps the opposition guessing. Always consistent, he was judged Emu Park’s Best and Fairest in 2023.

Seth Backo.

Seth Backo

Club: Norths

Position: Second row

Comment: Plays with plenty of energy and enthusiasm and his efforts lift those around him. Has a big engine and gets the team on the front foot. Was a dual award winner at the club’s presentation night, winning Best Forward and the Peter Newsome Memorial Trophy for Reserve Grade Player of the Year.

Michael Batu

Club: Norths

Position: Fullback

Comment: Deceptive runner with plenty of speed who can always find open space. An experienced player with a good footy brain, he also has a great fend. Was named the team’s Best Back.

Nicholas Van Dreumel

Club: Fitzroy/Gracemere

Position: Utility

Comment: Tough as nails, Van Dreumel always plays with grit and guts. Always consistent, he is a great team man. Was Fitzroy/Gracemere’s Best and Fairest.

James McCormack

Club: Fitzroy/Gracemere

Position: Lock

Comment: Hard-working skipper who always gives his all. Has a good passing game and can read the line well. Highly regarded by his teammates and opposition. Received the team’s Coach’s Award.

Originally published as Rockhampton Rugby League reserve grade competition’s top 12 players