The Chronicle rates the 24 underrated players set to shine at the mid-season finals

The TRL mid-season finals are here, and while the big names are set to rise to the occasion, The Chronicle looks at 24 underrated players across all grades set to make their mark on the biggest stage.

RUGBY LEAGUE: With 11 rounds of play down, the mid-season finals of the Toowoomba Rugby League are upon us.

Six teams will battle it out in three divisions for the right to be crowned President’s Cup champions, with Gatton and Highfields going to war for the A-grade Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy.

With over 130 players in action for the day, The Chronicle looks at the 24 underrated talents who can lead their club to glory.

UNDER 19s

COOPER LISTON (GATTON)

An incredible tryscorer who is having a field day on the right centre in 2022.

A strong centre who is as potent in defence as he is with the ball. Very hard to stop when he gets a head of steam up.

DOMINIC JONES-PINCOMBE (GATTON)

Having a great season and fast developing into one of the comp’s premier back rowers.

Completes his role to perfection regularly and generates quick play the balls in good ball areas.

Jake Self. Photo: Contributed

JAKE SELF (GATTON)

The general of the Gatton side who has played a big role in them sitting top of the ladder.

Plays with poise beyond his years. Able to draw the defensive line in and make full use of a talented backline.

LACHLAN FANNING (HIGHFIELDS)

Solid back-rower who has had a great impact on the edge for the Eagles this year.

A typical Highfields forward who is no frills, gets his job done and can bend the line when given good, early ball.

STEVEN SAUNDERS (HIGHFIELDS)

Has mostly featured off the interchange so far in 2022, but takes his chances when presented.

A very solid defender in the middle of the field, Saunders has also proven crafty when given a shot at hooker.

Chad Lebsanft. Picture: Nev Madsen

CHAD LEBSANFT (HIGHFIELDS)

A rangy centre that is a genuine strike weapon for the Eagles out wide.

Brings a lot of experience to the side, and has a great goalkicking boot which could prove the difference in a tight game.

OPEN WOMEN

NIKKI COX (GATTON)

Is tied with teammate Courtney-Lee Nolan at the top of the tryscoring list in the competition.

Has all the qualities you want from a top-class centre. Is fast, evasive and can find the line from difficult circumstances.

Nikki Cox. Picture: Kevin Farmer

NAT WEBB (GATTON)

Came to Gatton from Warwick this season and has slotted into the side well.

Quite a versatile player that can fill any spot in the outside backs, she adds value to a very strong side.

Nat Webb. Picture: Kevin Farmer

KIRRA ZAMPECH (GATTON)

One of the unsung heroes of the forward pack that has helped Gatton to an undefeated season so far.

Charges hard at the line and has a good ability to break the first tackle. Very strong on an edge.

Paige Edwards. Photo: Bev Lacey

PAIGE EDWARDS (NEWTOWN)

One of the more dangerous players in the open women’s comp on her day.

Playing at five-eighth this season and proving to be a devastating ballrunner from anywhere on the field.

Rikki-Lee Boney. Photo: Newtown Lions

RIKKI-LEE BONEY (NEWTOWN)

Has proven to be one of Newtown’s most consistent players throughout the year.

Played in a few positions this year, but could be most suited out on an edge where she can cut through the line.

Kiara Taylor. Picture: Kevin Farmer

KIARA TAYLOR (NEWTOWN)

Gets through a mountain of work and forms a lethal front row partnership with Tegan Gibbs.

Responsible for laying the platform for the Newtown backs to work their magic. A real team player.

RESERVES

MITCHELL HENNINGSEN (HIGHFIELDS)

A no-nonsense lock-forward who is a key part of the conquering Highfields forward pack.

Runs onto the ball like a man possessed and tackles anything that moves in front of him. A real leader.

LACHLAN KINIVAN (HIGHFIELDS)

Creates an imposing figure out on the wing.

His finishing has been first class for the year to date, crossing for seven tries and is safe as a bank when called upon out wide.

JOSHUA CROFT (HIGHFIELDS)

A livewire at the back who has relished the fullback role in recent weeks.

Such an elusive player at his best who can break the line from a standing start and get his side on the front foot.

Joshua Henry. Photo: Kevin Farmer

JOSHUA HENRY (WATTLES)

Forms a one-two punch with Tom Morris in the halves.

Playing with a lot of confidence at the moment. On fire when he takes on the line and can take complete control of a game.

TIMOTHY HENTSCHEL (WATTLES)

Proving to be a versatile impact weapon out on an edge.

Has played in the back-row, centres and off the bench. Provides a big body that is hard for opponents to bring down.

WARREN DRAPER (WATTLES)

A new addition to the Wattles side this year and has found his footing instantly.

Gives them a strong, pacy addition out on the wing or fullback when required, and has already scored in big games.

Regan Wilde. Picture: Bruce Clayton Photography

A-GRADE

REGAN WILDE (GATTON)

Slotted into the Gatton halfback role with aplomb to be considered one of the best new talents in the league.

Has a strong league pedigree and is using that to steer a big forward pack around the park and use it to his advantage.

Ben Seul. Picture: Nev Madsen

BEN SEUL (GATTON)

Not the biggest winger in the comp, but plays with as much heart as any.

Really solidified his spot in the top grade with some quality performances. Can find the line when given a shot and always rolls his sleeve up when it’s time to get out of their own end.

George Tavita. Picture: Nev Madsen

GEORGE TAVITA (GATTON)

Another player that has locked away his spot in A-grade with some great performances throughout the year.

Schemes well out of dummy half to help his halves wreak havoc. Hits hard in defence and a great influence in the middle of the field.

Thomas Hatch. Picture: Kevin Farmer

THOMAS HATCH (HIGHFIELDS)

Made the number nine jersey his own for Highfields and is someone who has really matured his game.

Getting more confident in his own game by the week, picking the right times to run and a real asset to the Eagles in attack.

Jacob Mouatt. Picture: Nev Madsen

JACOB MOUATT (HIGHFIELDS)

Doesn’t generate the headlines as such in a star-studded team, but is among the hardest workers in the toughest position on the field.

The type of front rower who will use his frame to take two hit-ups in a set if needed, and always getting his side on the front foot.

Matt Waites. Picture: Nev Madsen

MATT WAITES (HIGHFIELDS)

Been in exceptional form out in the centres for Highfields this year.

Gives the Eagles good size on the left edge and is such a strong player, creating headaches close to the line for the opposition and adds key experience for big games like this.

The 24 underrated players set to light up the TRL's mid-season finals.