Capras under-17 boys showed plenty of mettle, provided plenty of positives for happy coach

Despite only winning three games, Capras under-17 boys coach Duane Carpenter explains why it was a “great season” as we dive deep to reveal the players who made their mark.

The CQ Capras under-17 boys.

The CQ Capras under-17s made some huge strides this season, according to coach Duane Carpenter.

The team finished eighth in the 15-team in the Cyril Connell Cup with three wins and three losses.

“It was a great season,” Carpenter declared.

“Being a development competition, it’s not about the win-loss, it’s about the boys being better than when they started, not just as footballers but as young men, and I saw great improvement individually and also as a squad.

“The boys moving up to Mal Meninga we’ve really set up for success and the 10 players who will come back to Cyril Connell next year will be better for the experience and will build on that.”

CQ Capras under-17 players celebrate a try. Photo: Luke Fletcher

Carpenter said there was boundless talent in his line-up, with four players selected in the Queensland Country under-17 team and 11 already aligned with NRL clubs.

He made special mention of Jay Marsh, the youngest member of the squad who relished his role at hooker.

“He really matured as a person and a player and he’s a lot more consistent with his footy and a lot more professional in his approach and it showed on the field,” he said.

“He was outstanding for us this year and I’m really excited about what he’s going to do next season.

Henry Kallquist.

“I also have to give a shoutout to our lock Jake Oberhardt and our prop Henry Kallquist who were the glue that really held the squad together.

“They were outstanding and really led from the front.”

Carpenter said while the team’s three wins were well deserved it was a hard-fought loss to grand finalists Townsville that really helped instil confidence in his troops.

“We lost 10-4 in what was a pretty tight game but the positive was we showed we could mix it with anyone,” he said.

“As a coach, I believe the program is on the right track. It’s getting better each year and we’re seeing more and more kids develop and do good things in rep footy.

“The biggest thing for me was that everyone was enjoying their footy, both coaches and players.

“I think that’s a really understated thing at this level - we can make it too serious but for me it’s about seeing the boys really enjoying their footy and getting better at it.”

Leo Fanuatanu. Photo: Luke Fletcher

Leo Fanuatanu

Title: Fastest player

Position: Wing

Comment: Currently has the squad bragging rights, with a blistering 2.79 secs over 20m. Hailing from Emerald, he is boarding at Rockhampton Grammar School on a sports scholarship.Represented the Queensland Reds under-16 side last year for rugby union.

CQ Capras under-17 Harrison HIll charges through the defensive line.

Harrison Hill

Title: Strongest player

Position: Utility, mainly lock and hooker

Comment: For a player standing at 176cm and weighing just under 80kg, Hill’s testing results in the gym earn him the banner of strongest player. Over three reps, he is lifting a 157.50kg back squat, 130kg bench press and an impressive 21 max reps for prone chin-ups.

CQ Capras' under-16 boys squad member Will McLaughlin.

Tyler Melrose, Will McLaughlin

Title: Most damaging players

Position: Halves

Comment: Melrose is a very talented and slick playmaker who has an impressive running and kicking game that will keep the opposition on their toes. He is a good organiser and has great vision and game sense for a player at this age.

McLaughlin is every defensive line’s nightmare. Skilful, fast, very unpredictable and loves attacking from anywhere on the field.

Jake Oberhardt

Title: Best defender

Player position: Lock

Comment: A player who gets more excited for the defensive sets than attacking the opponent’s tryline. Can be brutal with his initial contact and his effort-on-effort is always first-class but what makes him such a great defender is his ability to control the ruck and make others work with him. Ultimately, the middle is so much tighter and controlled when he is on the field.

Cooper Taylor.

Cooper Taylor, Epafelasi Noa

Title: Powerhouse players

Position: Front row, second row

Comment: Taylor stands at 194cm tall and weighs in at 105.2kg, while Noa is 191cm and 108.1kg. Both are more than capable of bending a few backs at the defensive line.

Leo Fanuatanu

Title: Young underrated star who deserves to be aligned with an NRL club

Position: Wing

Comment: Still only 15, Fanuatanu not only competes in the older age group but is also establishing himself as one of the dominant wingers at this level. Fast, powerful, athletic, skilful and has a great attitude, it will be only a matter of time before someone gets his signature.

Jay Marsh. Photo: Luke Fletcher

Jay Marsh

Title: Surprise packet

Position: Hooker

Comment: The youngest in the squad, has always been a great player, but his attitude, determination and maturity went up a few more gears during the off-season and it showed in his footy this season.

Chayce Bayles

Title: Most skillful player

Position: Halves

Comment: An Australian touch football representative, his quick and silky hands combined with his ability to naturally adjust his tempo at the defensive line game make him a very skilful player. His confidence grew week by week and he is definitely a player to watch.

Eli McKay.

Players currently aligned with NRL clubs

Eli McKay (centre, Dolphins), Jay Marsh (hooker, Dolphins), Zac Bateman (second row, North Queensland Cowboys), Tyler Melrose (halfback, North Queensland Cowboys), Parker Gallagher (front row, North Queensland Cowboys), Marcus Tipman (second row, North Queensland Cowboys), Epafelasi Noa (second row, North Queensland Cowboys), Alekisio Siale (front row/lock, North Queensland Cowboys), Michael Busby (halfback, North Queensland Cowboys), Harvey Mahoney (second row, Canberra Raiders), Harley Biles (fullback, Sydney Roosters).

Originally published as Capras under-17 boys showed plenty of mettle, provided plenty of positives for happy coach