21 Darling Downs players aged 22 and under who could be wearing a Clydesdales jersey
The Chronicle looks at 21 players from the Darling Downs who are under 22 and playing their footy elsewhere, highlighting why it’s time for the Western Clydesdales to return to the Q Cup.
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RUGBY LEAGUE: The Western Clydesdales are in the midst of a push to enter the Queensland Cup next year, and The Chronicle has the alarming statistics of why this needs to happen ASAP.
Currently without a feeder club in the Hostplus Cup to aspire to, a number of Darling Downs players have resorted elsewhere to get their shot into making the big time.
Inclusion into the state league would help change that, and with a Canterbury Bulldogs affiliation, Q Cup inclusion is the final piece of the puzzle to ensure Darling Downs players remain playing their football on home soil.
Clydesdales chairman Tony Coonan said they’re routinely playing against talent that has departed the system.
“Just about every time we’re playing somebody, we’ll come up against a Toowoomba guy,” Coonan said.
“Sometimes it’s a very direct connection, other times it can be loose with a family that was going to relocate, but this could always be an excuse to hang around.
“(Having a Q Cup team) encourages them to stick around. Say we got 50 per cent of those players back, that’s a good number and there’s some great talents in there too.”
Coonan said with the Bulldogs connection set in stone, securing a Hostplus Cup team would give further incentive for these players to remain home.
“Kids are better off staying here, continuing their studies, hanging around their friends and family structures, and having that support,” he said
“That’s more significant for kids out west. If they do have to come to Toowoomba for certain things, they can go back for weekends, holidays and still have that family support.”
The Chronicle looks at 21 Downs players aged 22 and under playing their football elsewhere in 2022.
SHAUN PACKER (WYNNUM-MANLY)
Was named as the Mal Meninga Cup co-player of the year with the Seagulls in 2021.
Grew up in Roma and studied at St Mary’s College.
BLAKE MOORE (WYNNUM-MANLY)
Shared the Mal Meninga Cup player of the year honour with teammate Shaun Packer.
A classy St Mary’s five-eighth who has advanced his game in recent years.
KEANU WRIGHT-DUNROBIN (SOUTH SYDNEY)
A Dalby junior that made his A-grade debut last year.
Came through as a Mustang and played in the Langer Trophy with St Mary’s College.
KELLY SHADLOW (CENTRAL QUEENSLAND)
Played as a junior with Brothers and studied at Toowoomba Grammar School.
A former Mustang front rower who is now with the Capras in the colts competition.
ZAC MILES (SUNSHINE COAST)
A TRL Premiership winning outside back with Valleys in 2018, Miles has been with the Falcons colts in recent times, before signing a contract with the Q Cup side late last year.
SAM ELARA (WESTS TIGERS)
Played his junior football with Highfields and made his A-grade debut as a teenager.
Another St Mary’s product, Elara signed a deal with the Wests Tigers last year.
ZAC CROFT (EASTS TIGERS)
The younger brother of current Super League half Brodie, Zac was a Highfields junior who made the move to the Easts Tigers.
BRANDON CLARKE (CENTRAL QUEENSLAND)
A Gatton junior who came through the ranks with the Mustangs in previous seasons, including captaining the U18s.
Looked good during his time in the TRL last year.
BLAYDEN DODD (NORTHS DEVILS)
Was a Dalby junior throughout his younger years and won an U18s title with the Diehards last year. Currently with Norths and playing well in the centres.
GLENN MCGRADY (NORTHS DEVILS)
Another of the talented McGrady’s from Goondiwindi, previously had a stint with Penrith. Came back last year and won a TRL comp before moving to Norths.
CLAYTON MACK (WYNNUM-MANLY)
A Southern Suburbs junior while in Toowoomba, Mack had a run with Souths Logan and is now with the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup.
DENZEL BURNS (IPSWICH)
A premiership player with Valleys in 2019, also played some junior football with Highfields.
Playing alongside brother Gerome and a few other locals for Ipswich in the Q Cup.
LACHLAN PERRY (SOUTHS LOGAN)
Played junior football with Souths and then Pittsworth. Has since gone on to play with Wynnum-Manly and is currently at the Magpies.
DAVID ARMSTRONG (NEWCASTLE)
Took all before him in the TRL Premiership with Goondiwindi, claiming the John McDonald Medal in last year’s grand final before transferring to Newcastle. Has already made his NSW Cup debut.
XAVIER VA’A (SYDNEY ROOSTERS)
Spent time with Dalby and Highfields as a junior before making his A-grade debut at Valleys.
Signed by the Roosters for this year and featured in the SG Ball Cup grand final.
TRISTAN VOLL (NORTHS DEVILS)
Another of the Downs contingent at Norths. Voll was a Highfields junior and played a handful of A-grade games
PAT MCGINN (SUNSHINE COAST)
Was an absolute speedster during his time with the Mustangs and the Pittsworth Danes. Now is in the Falcons system, and came up against Toowoomba at the 47th Battalion.
BRAYDEN PAIX (SOUTHS LOGAN)
Similar to older brother and current Bronco Cory, Brayden showed a lot of ability at a young age for Southern Suburbs, St Mary’s and the Mustangs. Now with the Souths Logan Magpies.
JOSEPH CURRIE (TOWNSVILLE)
Showed plenty of talent in two codes while at Toowoomba Grammar. Played junior football with Brothers before receiving an offer to head north and join the Blackhawks.
JORDAN LIPP (TOWNSVILLE)
A talented half/outside back during his tenure at Southern Suburbs and St Mary’s.
Played in the U20s grand final last year with Townsville and played in an NRL trial with the Cowboys this season.
DE LA SALLE VA’A (SYDNEY ROOSTERS)
The youngest player on this list. Snapped up by the Roosters with older brother Xavier after shining through the younger grades in the TJRL.
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