TOP 10: We name the best TRL A-grade veterans of 2023
Veteran stars can make or break country rugby league teams. They bring experience, skill and know how to win. With the TRL A-grade season in full swing, here’s our look at the Top 10 veteran stars. Find out who made the list here.
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A veteran star can make all the difference to a country rugby league side.
They bring experience, skill and a guiding helping young players develop their game.
With the Toowoomba Rugby League A-grade season in full swing here’s our look at the Top 10 veteran stars.
TOP 10
10. Daniel Wassell (Dalby Diehards)
A former Webcke-Price medal winner, Wassell is a key contributor to Dalby and has been one of the TRL’s top players for years.
9. Benjamin Cook (Souths Tigers)
A multiple premiership winner, the halfback has been in fine touch this season, and is thoroughly enjoying his time on the field.
8. Joe Fuimaono (Warwick Cowboys)
The most talked about player in the competition, Fuimaono is a barnstorming centre that takes no prisoners.
When he’s on the field, you’ll regularly see the opposition try and switch sides to avoid him.
7. Jarrod Lee (Highfields Eagles)
The crafty fullback has been playing at a high standard for many years, he is a highly skilled player that is now plying his trade as the side’s coach.
6. Drew Jackson (Valleys Roosters)
The prop with the best mullet in town, Jackson is a menace on the field. A premiership winner and John McDonald medallist, he has delivered for Valleys in spades, and will always provide great cover for his players.
5. Xavier Manley (DalbyDiehards)
Still one of the TRL’s elite, the former representative captain is focusing all his energy into his game, and is reaping the rewards.
Another core player for Dalby, the prop put his all into every carry.
4. Steven Franciscus (Dalby Diehards)
The captain may be in his early 40s but he’s still running the ball as fierce as ever.
Called the ‘Spider’ as he has his hands in everything, Franciscus makes a huge impact when on the field.
3. Travis Waddell (Goondiwindi Boars)
The former NRL player and Indigenous All-Stars lock has really injected class into the comp over the past few seasons.
Splitting his time between playing and coaching, Waddell leads by example.
2. Haydan Lipp (Gatton Hawks)
In hisfifth season as Gatton’s captain, Lipp is a winner.
With some saying he is at the ‘peak’ of his career, he is leading the charge and has positioned the Hawks as true title contenders.
1. David McGrady (Goondiwindi Boars)
Top of the table in a poll at the start of the season as the comps best player, McGrady is a true champion.
Nicknamed the ‘Panther’ as he always seems to have so much time, he is an omnipotent five-eighth, always posing a threat.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Aaron Cherry (Bears)
The former Webcke-Price medallist may be in the back-end of his career, but his work rate is still top tier and his ability to play in a utility role if required is invaluable.
Cameron Millar (Danes)
A premiership winner with the Danes in 2016, Millar is a no-nonsense second rower that has the ability to turn a game on its head.
Cameron Moodie (Lions)
The heart and soul of Newtown, Moodie embodies everything you want in a player.
Capable of playing any position you ask him to, happy to fill in for reserve-grade if needed and great off the field, Lions wouldn’t be the same without his presence.
Benjamin Reuter (Hawks)
A multiple premiership winner, Innisfail Leprechauns and Gatton Hawks, with immeasurable experience.
Drawing on his stint with the Northern Pride, Reuter is a huge presence and has helped lift the overall standard of the Hawks.
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