SQUAD ANALYSIS: Breaking down the Western Clydesdales U21s 25-player roster

Season 2022 is shaping up as a defining one for the Western Clydesdales Colts. The Chronicle takes a deep dive into the playing squad set to represent the region in the U21s competition.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Season 2022 is a defining one for the Western Clydesdales U21s men.

With the club expected to feature in next year’s Hostplus Cup, now is the time for the young men to state their case on why they deserve to feature at Queensland’s elite level.

Coach Blake Mara said its time for the Clydesdales to take charge in the Hastings Deering Colts competition,

“We have 13 debutants which is exciting, but we’re not here to just make up the numbers,” Mara said.

“We want to move away from a team that’s happy to snag a win. We’re training all week to win games of footy. We’re here to make a difference.

“It’s a tough draw, but there’s a very winnable patch in the middle of the season, and if we can win a few games on the way that will be massive for our confidence.”

Alex Brighton. Picture: Nev Madsen

OUTSIDE BACKS

“We’ve got some really strong centres, so we hope to get them early ball,” Mara said.

“There’s really good pace on the wings, so we need to use that to our advantage.

“It’s not a big back five, but they have good footwork and speed, so if we can give them early ball with space they will be very effective for us.”

Jacob Meddleton: “Jacob’s a lightning fast country kid from Allora that’s had a really good pre-season,” Mara said. “He’s only missed one session. He’s come a long way.”

Lachlan Ghee: “Moved from Gladstone for the opportunity to play Colts.

“Has been absolutely fantastic at training and we’re hoping he can progress to Q Cup.”

Olly Bichel: “His potential is limitless. He Olly can bounce out of a tackle. Has the hard edge to be successful in league and can go as far as he wants to push himself.”

Alex Brighton: “Alex has been in our system for a few years and is a natural leader. He’s a very classy gentleman that is big and strong, and is another we hope to play Q Cup.”

Shayden Lavatai: “A very athletic outside back from Brisbane that has travelled out for the opportunity. A humble young man and is very fast.”

Elliott Speed. Picture: Nev Madsen

HALVES

“Our halves are contrasting sort of players, the yin to each other’s yang,” Mara said.

“As long as they work together, they can bring out the best in each other. The dynamic works better if they are comfortable with their relationship an understand it.”

Elliott Speed: “He’s quick and loves to play down the short sides. Is very skilful and is a real off the cuff sort of player.”

Lachlan Williamson: “More of a Cooper Cronk-type player. Has a really tidy kicking game. Is disciplined and a strong defender for a half.”

Max Brady. Photo: Nev Madsen

FORWARDS

“We don’t have a lot of size, but what we have is a lot of heart and smarts,” Mara said.

“We want to be able to use the footy and defend as a pack. If we’re able to do those things, we will create opportunities.”

Taj Jackson: “A young player, is only 19 and from Ipswich. We want to turn him into a Q Cup player. He’s a real hard worker.”

Max Brady: “A 20-year-old from Dalby. An absolute class young man and a real leader. Was with Burleigh last year.”

Noah Brady: “A leader and does everything we want the Clydesdales to be. The big fella of the team and a genuine leader in everything he does.”

Tom Chandler: “Has a slight build but great acceleration and power. Only 19 from Ipswich and I think he will go a long way.”

Alex Donn: “A very powerful athlete and a loveable larrikin. The team enjoys having him around. Can be a bit casual at times, but if he decides to be a bit more dedicated, is definitely up to Q Cup.”

Brody Gilchrist: “A former West Hills Sports student. Moved from Perth. A ball-playing lock who is a real workhorse. Has a Kiwi background, is a lovely kid and already feels like a local.”

Hayden Ensbey: “A hooker who will make an impact from dummy half. Comes from the Grafton Ghosts in northern NSW.”

Kevin Sheppard: “From Dalby and is in the hooker-lock type mould. I have high hopes for him. He’s dedicated and deserves to do well.”

Cooper Tate-Roche: “The Souths junior is a big fella that has really worked on his fitness and I hope to get some good bursts of energy from him.”

Darryl Erepia: “A PNG product that went to TGS. Is hard as nails and a brilliant kid. Leads with his actions and he will be strong in the middle.”

Darcy Carswell. Picture: Nev Madsen

FRINGE PLAYERS

With some players on the edge of selection and the U18s Mal Meninga Cup season coming to a close shortly, there are a handful of players on the cusp of selection.

“I expect some of the U18s to put pressure on people to make the team once their season is over,” Mara said.

Nathaniel Cowen: “Playing SG Ball for the Dragons. A front rower that reached out to us on the back of the Bulldogs (partnership),” Mara said.

Reily Land: Could get the opportunity to play up. A tough half that can take on an impressive workload in defence. A real competitor.

Declan Ryan: “Only just pushing into a lock position, but has good footwork and skills. Ties in with the style we want him to play,” U18s coach Brendan Wilson said.

Darcy Carswell: “A big, strong player that can take the tough carries. Controls the ruck really well in defence,” Wilson said.

Wil Brady: “Plays with good tempo, is a strong player and has improved defensively,” Wilson said.

Brayden Falvey: “Can play at fullback or centre. Covers a few positions and has a good foot brain and is a good communicator,” Wilson said.

Riley Wockner: “A good positional fullback. Gives us good shape out the back, and has good communication skills in defence.”

Clayton Andrews: “A bit of a late developer in the middle. Takes tough carries and can find his front and play on the back of it,” Wilson said.