The six standout Falcons Colts players to watch ahead of preliminary final

He’s already had a taste of the Intrust Super Cup, now Sunshine Coast Falcons gun Colt Blake Wilson wants to bow out from under-20s with a second premiership.

He’s already had a taste of the Intrust Super Cup, now Sunshine Coast Falcons gun Colt Blake Wilson wants to bow out from under-20s with a second premiership.

Wilson, a Noosa Pirates junior, says he will draw from the experience he gained in his ISC cameos ahead of Saturday’s knockout final against Townsville Blackhawks.

His coach Jamie Vogler identified him as one of six players who could break the game open.

Blake Wilson says he will draw from his Intrust Super Cup experience and guide the Sunshine Coast Falcons Colts into the grand final. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography

Wilson played wing in the Colts 2019 title but said he had felt he’d contributed more in 2021.

“It was all really surreal in 2019, my first year of Colts, this time means a bit more,” Wilson said.

“I was more nervous back then being younger. This year I know what I need to do to get through.”

The 21-year-old fullback said he only made it onto the field for a combined 20 minutes of ISC across a handful of games.

But ticked off a goal he’d set at the start of the season.

“It was great to get out there,” he said.

“I was stoked to get a run, hopefully I can make it a permanent spot next year.

“The speed and aggression was a step up but a great experience.”

The Falcons finished the regular season equal second but fourth on for and against.

Vogler’s side upset minor premiers Wynnum Manly at the weekend and now face Townsville Blackhawks on Saturday for a spot in the grand final.

The Falcons are the competition’s reigning premiers having won in 2019, the last time the season was played.

Kane Jackson – centre.

Kane Jackson was voted the Falcons Colts best back. Picture: Nicole Anne Sports Photography

Jackson won the Falcons best back award for 2021 and comes from quality stock.

“He was in our 2019 squad as well and has been outstanding. He went to the Canterbury Bulldogs last year but came back cause of Covid-19,” Vogler said.

“He’s just been outstanding.

“I’m expecting a few tries from him this weekend.”

Jack Aiken – centre.

“We had him in the back row earlier in the season but we weren’t getting the best out of him,” Vogler said.

“So we moved him to the centres. He’s big, strong and fast. A handful along with Jackson.”

Sunshine Coast junior Zac Laybutt lines up for Townsville in the centres in a match up that could decide the contest.

Kaleb Sutton – front row.

Kaleb Sutton was named the Falcons Colts players player and player of the year. Picture: Nicole Anne Sports Photography

“He’s a quiet kid, more of a doer than an organiser, but he walks the walk,” Vogler said.

“He sort of had a light bulb moment where he increased his fitness and just turned into an enforcer.

“When he’s on he’s hard to stop.

“He gets another year for us next year too and he’s already one of the best in the comp.”

Vogler said Sutton was a future Intrust Super Cup player.

Blake Wilson – fullback.

Blake Wilson in pre-season training with the Falcons main squad.

Noosa Pirates junior Wilson has already made his Intrust Super Cup debut this season and looks destined for a long career in that competition.

“He’s really excelled this year having gotten a bit bigger and heavier,” Vogler said.

“He’s had a great year.”

Jai Smoothy – five eighth

Kawana Dolphins junior Jai Smoothy.

The young brother of Melbourne Stormer Tyson was thrown into the halves alongside his best mate Jaiden Zanchetta where the duo have thrived.

“It was a gut feeling to try him there and it’s paid dividends,” Vogler said.

“These two have known each other forever and are a great combo.

“Jai has a real level head. Nothing phases him. Great kicking game and in general play too.”

Nick Ellems – hooker

“We wanted to bring Nick into the starting fold. He’s been super and has scored a bucket load of tries from hooker,” Vogler said.

“He brings a lot to the starting side.”

The Falcons take on Townsville at Moreton Bay Stadium come 4pm Saturday.

Originally published as The six standout Falcons Colts players to watch ahead of preliminary final