Three players have shot at joining exclusive club by winning prestigious award for a second time

The winner of Rockhampton Rugby League’s prestigious best and fairest award will be announced on September 6 and we asked each of the A-grade coaches to put forward their leading contenders. Have your vote here.

Rockhampton Rugby League A-grade guns Kazzi Doyle, Harry Barham and Sam Holzheimer.

Harry Barham, Sam Holzheimer and Kazzi Doyle could well be, according to their coaches, on the verge of joining one of Rockhampton Rugby League’s exclusive clubs.

Each of them has previously won the Ollie Howden Medal for best and fairest in the A-grade men’s competition and, with stellar seasons for their respective clubs, are in the mix to do it again.

Emu Park hooker Barham won it in 2022, Norths’ halfback Doyle in 2021 and Yeppoon lock Holzheimer in 2018.

Emu Park Harry Barham with the Ollie Howden Medal honour board.

Should one of them be announced as the 2024 recipient on September 6, he will sit alongside just six other players to have twice received the prestigious award in its 70-plus year history.

The most recent was Rockhampton Brothers’ halfback Mitchell Power (2023 and 2016).

Power joined Railways’ “Sugar” Ray Robinson (1955, 1960), Steve Crear (Norths 1971/Brothers 1981), Fitzroys’ Graham Horstman (1973, 1999), Brothers’ Hugh Stanley (1999, 2002) and CQU Norths’ James Waterton (2004, 2005).

We asked the seven A-grade coaches to put forward their strongest contenders - and you can have your say by voting in our poll.

Emu Park

Emu Park hooker Harry Barham.

Harry Barham (hooker)

A damaging defender, he is also lethal in attack and has already scored 106 points this season, the most of any player. Has a great kicking game and reads the play like a book. Debuted for the CQ Capras this year and was a key figure for the Rocky Rustlers at the 47th Battalion carnival.

Emu Park fullback Connor Rothery. Photo: George Vartabedian

Connor Rothery (fullback)

Equally as skilful in attack as defence, he is lightning fast and tough as nails. His elusiveness and agility make him an attacking weapon, and he leads the competition’s try-scoring list with 17.

Rockhampton Brothers

Rockhampton Brothers' dummy half Josh Mitchell.

Josh Mitchell (hooker)

Talent to burn with great footy IQ. Central to much of what his team does. An influential figure, he is a natural leader and great communicator. Very crafty around the ruck.

Rockhampton Rugby League A-grade men, Round 10, Rockhampton Brothers versus Norths, at Victoria Park, Rockhampton, on June 23, 2024. Photo: Pam McKay

Roarke Christensen (prop)

An imposing figure who gets the team on the front foot and whose work ethic inspires his teammates. Continues to grow in confidence since making his Q-Cup debut with the CQ Capras last season.

Norths

Norths' halfback Kazzi Doyle.

Kazzi Doyle (halfback)

A natural talent who is one of the team’s best week-in, week out. Has great footy nous and controls the game well, guiding the team around the park. Highly regarded by teammates and rivals. Created history in 2021 when he won Rookie of the Year and the Ollie Howden in his first season in A-grade.

Norths Isaiah Vailalo. Photo: Pam McKay

Isaiah Vailalo (front row)

A workhorse who leads by example. Makes an impression every time he’s on the field, making big hits and gaining plenty of metres. Solid all-round player who never takes a backward step.

Gladstone Brothers

Carsen Huth in action for the CQ Capras. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Carsen Huth (centre)

The club’s leading try-scorer, he has been solid in both defence and attack all season. A member of the CQ Capras squad.

Zane Robertson (front row)

Has stepped up from last year and relished the battle with other props in the competition. Good go-forward and has added some ball-playing this season.

Yeppoon

Yeppoon skipper Sam Holzheimer.

Sam Holzheimer (lock)

A highly regarded and experienced campaigner. Always gives 100 percent and as captain sets an example his teammates want to follow. A well-rounded footballer who is exceptional in attack and ever-reliable in defence.

Yeppoon centre Jace O'Neill.

Jace O’Neill (centre)

Strong and powerful, he is an attacking powerhouse. A dynamic runner of the ball, be it a kick-return or finishing off a backline play. Great team man.

Valleys

Bill Cullen training for the Canberra Raiders in 2017.

Bill Cullen (prop/lock)

Has plenty of experience under his belt, having played in the Q-Cup and NSW Cup and being part of the Canberra Raiders system. An inspirational leader on and off the field. Bruising defender whose powerful running is hard to contain.

Eli Noovao (hooker/centre)

A player with Q-Cup experience, having come through the CQ Capras ranks. A strong runner of the football with really good footwork.

Tannum Sands

Beau Elphinstone (second row/prop)

A master of consistency, Elkinstone has been the team’s best and fairest for the past two years. Gets through a mountain of work and his enthusiasm and determination are infectious.

Clayton Box (prop)

An absolute workhorse whose effort is unrelenting. He loves the contest and always puts his hand up to do the hard yards. Likes to get the ball in his hands and will take every hit-up he can.

Originally published as Three players have shot at joining exclusive club by winning prestigious award for a second time