Next generation of Clydesdales put to the test in development cup

The Western Clydesdales Cup wrapped up in exciting fashion with an 18-all grand final draw. Now we can reveal the 20+ South West Queensland young guns who shone in the competition.

Dalby’s Braden Eisenmenger was a key player for the Clydesdales Country side. Picture: Contributed

The Development Cup proved once again to be a hit with players, officials and rugby league fans.

Now in its second the cup pitted four junior teams – Clydesdales City, Clydesdales Country, Roma and Warwick – against each other.

With the best young players from each region in action the standard of play was high and exciting.

City and Country squared off in Saturday’s final which ended all square at 18-18.

Trailing 18-4 at halftime City, who played the bulk of the final a player short after a send-off, fought back to earn a share of the spoils.

“We showed a huge amount of growth and development as a team over the course of the Cup,” Clydesdales City coach Jesse Martin said.

“As the youngest squad on average in the cup we really had to work together as a team to overcome the physical and tactical differences between us and other teams.

“I thought that really showed in the final when we played the majority of the final with a player short but fought back with two tries in the last four minutes to tie it up.”

With the cup wrapped up for another year Clydesdales Country coach Jim Sankey provided a statement about the development of his players.

Dan Brown starred for Clydesdales Country in the cup. Picture: Contributed

“The team made up of players from Highfields, Gatton, Dalby, Pittsworth and Oakey which ensured that what was learnt during the six week intense training program will hopefully filter down to club land and each of the players will pass on their knowledge gained,” he said.

“Players such as Jack Gordon, Riley Jackson and Hudson Willis from Highfields were outstanding, while Gatton players Lleyton Thomson, Regan Jackson, Clayton Hensley, Laythan Potter and Kal Potter all increased their chances of playing Cyril Connell this year or next.

“Pittsworth players Will Hanlon and Ethan King are both going to have great years following their performance in the cup, while Tyson Moore as a is available for selection next year.

“Dalby players Waynos Salase-Edmonds, Dan Brown, Braden Eisenmenger, Cooper Collins, Ronald Fing, Byronn McMillian and Jackson Harrison-Gander also showed that the Devils will be a force in this year’s TJRL competition.

“In addition, new players to this level Harrison Cole and Corey Corkeet, will have benefited greatly from playing at this level. Harry Pirake from Oakey will be one to watch in 2024.

“Overall, however it was Jack Curtain from Gatton that was the player who was voted best for Country for his standard of play throughout the four game competition.”

Ronald Fing played in the Clydesdales Country side. Picture: Contributed

Dalby’s Jackson Harrison-Gander during a 2021 game. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Star players

Jack Hellyer (Clydesdales City): There was no questioning Hellyer’s commitment with the young lock playing through injury to inspire his team. The skipper led by example with a hard-running and aggressive style of play.

Charlie Barnes (Clydesdales City): A leader on and off the field, the five-eighth expertly directed his team around the park. Barnes never switched off – when he didn’t have the ball in his hands he was still leading his side.

Max Murphy (Clydesdales City): The hooker kept his teammates accountable from start to finish and always ensured the team stuck to their game plan.

Alex White (Clydesdales City): The backrower was a breakout star in the cup. Coaches and officials were stunned by his growth over the course of the competition. White capped off his stellar run with Player of the Final honours on Saturday night.

Junior league players Laythan Potter, Harrison Cole and Clayton Hensler show their support for the Western Clydesdales in round 1 of the Hostplus Cup.

Gatton’s Laythan Potter in action during a match in 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Matt Walsh (Roma and Districts): “Really led the way for the forwards, set the tone in defence and made some nice charging runs to get on the front foot,” Roma coach Scott Samuels said.

Cohen Davis (Roma and Districts): He missed the first two games of the competition but joined for the final two and made an impact with the ball.

He unlocked the backline and helped open up the edge attack.

Curtis Fernando (Roma and Districts): His versatility was on full display as he put in a strong shift in several different positions throughout the cup.

He gave his all whether he was playing at five-eighth or making big players as a middle forward.

Samuels also heaped praise on the South Burnett and Clydesdales players which helped strengthen numbers for his side.