2024 Meninga Cup season preview: Every club previewed ahead of U19s men’s season
It’s the competition that shines a light on the NRL’s future and with the talent lining up in Meninga Cup, this year is no exception. We preview all competing clubs here.
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Jump to: Norths Devils | Ipswich Jets |Western Clydesdales | Sunshine Coast | Townsville Blackhawks | Central Qld Capras | Northern Pride |Mackay Cutters | Burleigh Bears |Souths Logan |Brisbane Tigers |Tweed Seagulls |
■ Explained: How do the finals work? What are the key dates?
WIDE BAY BULLS
Coach: Andrew Filo
Captain: Unknown
Last Season: 13th (zero wins, six losses)
Competitive Edge: The Wide Bay side will be looking to build on a disappointing 2023 season and have a sprinkle of promising talents in the backs and forwards and can prove as their pools big improver in 2024.
Key Fixture: The Bulls went winless in 2023 but easily played their best brand of footy in front of their home crowd. They’ll play each of their first three matches at home, welcoming the Clydesdales, Falcons and Jets in what should be competitive affairs.
Players To Watch: The Bulls will be in safe hands this season with Dawson Hess and Zander Evans steering their side around in the halves. Hess was arguably his side’s best player last season while Evans is a Brothers Bundaberg junior who will take plenty away from the Mal Meninga competition. They’ll both be accompanied by hooker Riley Phillips-Powell who has stepped up in the opening trials matches. Edge forward Daniel Cavanagh will lead from the front and bring plenty of mongrel to the Bulls attack and defence this season.
Round one team: 1 Jake Veach, 2 Caio Castanho Kerr, 3 Mitchell Sly, 4 Dylan Long, 5 Kian Young, 6 Dawson Hess, 7 Zander Evans, 8 Kyle O’Dwyer, 9 Riley Phillips-Powel, 10 Junior Tuitoma, 11 Daniel Cavanagh, 12 Toby Kelly, 13 Jack Picaro, 14 Mitchell McCallum, 15 Jake Doyle, 16 Curtis Brierley and 17 Ryan Smith.
NORTHS DEVILS
Coach: Shannon Tupara
Captain: Jordan Kake
Competitive Edge: Look no further than the lads on the wings.
The Devils’ outside backs are blessed with pace, and if they can beat their opposite number - or at least get on the outside shoulder - could cause problems for any rival.
Key Fixture: Round 6 v Redcliffe.
The north Brisbane derby is always a ripper, and with both clubs fully linked with the Dolphins, it’s a battle which could very well feature several future NRL players.
Players To Watch: Adam Khan, Maddox Goodwin and Brandon Norris.
Norris was a proven tryscoring threat at the back for Norths last season, and his ability to not only beat defenders but put his team on the front foot will be crucial.
Goodwin is a hardworking second-rower who is tireless with and without the ball, while centre Khan will be out to make an impression after his move from Wide Bay.
Squad: 1. Patrick Calthart, 2. Caleb Brown, 3. Luke Adamson, 4. Bucky Robertson, 5. Denzel Siaki, 6. George Tauali (VC), 7. Jahrel Iselen-Jensen, 8. Amos Va’a, 9. Jye Fong, 10. Joey Filipe (CAPT), 11. Dontae Siaki, 12. Thomas Hansson, 13. Noah Rauluni, 14. Sol Platt, 15. Jaiden Sawtell, 16. Eli Bilj-Kakoi, 17. Tyson Fuitimau, 18. Laurie Lupematasila, 19. Andrae Mbunde, 20. Austin Mitchell, 21. Jack Biles, 22. Kobe Vakalahi, 23. Walter Joseph, 24.Sylas Simon, 25. Adam Khan, 26.Brandon Norris, 27. Emmerson Jackson, 28.Jordan Kake, 29. Maddox Goodwin, 30. Lauloto Salei.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Captain: Zac Garton
Coach: Scott Tronc
Last season: Premiers (7-1)
Why they will be competitive: Under coach Scott Tronc the Dolphins defended stoutly last season.
We most loved Redcliffe’s defence which saw them concede just 104 points across seven home-away fixtures in games often played in stifling summer heat.
Repeat that intensity and Redcliffe would have scratched out another foothold leading toward the finals
Coach Tronc said the key to the squad’s success would be the players desire to “continue to work hard and build on the pre-season the squad has had’’.
Key fixture: Wynnum-Manly in round 7. Who doesn’t love a bayside derby? And the quality of both teams points to an encounter worth watching. Also watch for a round 6 local derby against Norths. Given the Dolphins recruitment arm now extends down into what was traditionally the Devils’ territory, rivalry is intensifying between the two clubs.
Players to watch: John Fineanganofo, the ball playing No.13 or five-eight, is coming off a bumper 2023 when he
+ starred for the Dolphins in its Meninga Cup premiership success
+ made his Hostplus senior debut
+ played for the Queensland schoolboys
+ made the Australian schoolboys side.
It is hard to top a season like that, but that will be the aim of the Dolphins NRL academy signing.
Zac Garton is a rough, tough edge forward, the type of kid who will absorb knowledge from the senior NRL Dolphins forwards and one day himself play in the big league. He was a Meninga Cup premiership winner last season and a Queensland schoolboy representative.
No.13 Lewis Symonds has been a prized recruit for the Dolphins NRL academy, coming over from the Broncos via Marsden SHS.
An elite field athlete who has consistently been a medallist at national track and field championships, his personality perfectly suits the type of character the Dolphins want at the club in this exciting NRL era.
Centre Prestyn Laine-Sietu is another high achieving junior who played in two premierships last season - the Redcliffe Meninga Cup side and the Nudgee College First XV rugby side.
While he is not an explosive centre, he has sufficient pace and beautiful hands, while having a knack of hustling in defence to shut down opposition attacks.
A Queensland schoolboys centre last season, he has the work ethic of a back rower which is where he shone earlier in his career.
Final squad: John-Paul Donevski, Siosifa Kava, Prestyn Laine-Sietu, Tevita Naufahu, LJ
Nonu, Lachlan Buchbach, Zac Herdegen, Elijah Rasmussen, Mathias Santo-Hero, Patrick
Kailahi, Zac Garton, Baylen Donald, Lewis Symonds, Oliver Jones, Larry Siala, Jayden Butt, Noah Law, Arthur Fitness, Lucas Miller, Tyrese Tovao, Jermiah Havea.
IPSWICH JETS
Captains: Co-captain Lyncoln Cliffe, Lachlan Stuart
Coach: Tye Ingebrigtsen
Last season: Fourth (5-1)
Why they will be competitive: Under new coach Tye Ingebrigtsen, the Jets will look to repeat its semi-final appearance this season. “The key to us being competitive will be on the back of effort and working hard,’’ Tye Ingebrigtsen said. “We have had a large turn over in our roster with seven Meninga Cup players from last season earning contracts with NRL clubs.’’
Key fixture: Sunshine Coast Falcons. Ipswich will be on the road in round 1 on February 17 when they travel up the Bruce Highway. The Jets’ players need to get back on the bus at the end of the match knowing they played smart and left nothing in the tank - win, lose or draw.
Players to watch: Lyncoln Cliffe is a lock who will lead from the front. Every team would have him in their squad, so competitive is he, and he will lead by example.
Hooker Nathan Fraser is another key player, a tried and tested hard worker who will be the glue of Ipswich’s campaign.
As mentioned earlier, fullback Amaziah Murgha will be an x-factor player with his pace and evasive skills.
Watch for him to challenge fatigued forwards around the ruck and be a threat bringing clearing kicks back.
Final squad: Not finalised.
WESTERN CLYDESDALES
Captain: Fletcher Prendergast
Coach: Gus McKellar
Last season: 9th (3-3)
Why they will be competitive: “We have an all-round strong team and we have good depth in key positions so I think we will be really competitive,” coach Gus McKellar said.
Key fixture: “I respect all the opponents and every game is important but I think the Sunshine Coast games are going to be important as to where we end up at the end of the season,” McKellar said.
Players to watch:
McKellar has been impressed by the talent and potential from his players across the board and Luke Cesari is no exception. He is big, strong player who McKellar believes has what it takes to be a future Queensland Cup star. Bodhi Sharpley has also caught the eye, having signed with the Gold Coast Titans and Trace Beattie is another future star who is currently at Toowoomba Grammar School and brings rugby union experience.
Squad: Carter Blades, Matthew Drews, Aaron Hinch, Joey Hatton, Joey Sankey, Shannon Elara, Bailey Rathmell, Bodhi Sharpley, Braith Clark, Harrison Boal, Matt Schulze, Fletcher Prendergast, Matt Moore, Barney Litidamu, Luke Cesari, Taj Buchanan, Mitch Dabin, Trace Beattie, Tait Cameron, Fakamalinga Likio, Mitchell Clem, Harry Eyers, Lyucian King-Togia, Carge Martin-Brown, Ashton Wilson, Amdes Saunders, Jacob Mundy, Matthew Simpkin, Ronald Duncan.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Captain: Jackson Kite
Coach: Cameron Boaza
Last season: Fifth (four wins and two losses)
Why they will be competitive: “A lot of the boys have great attitudes and have been working really hard. It’s probably the biggest squad we’ve had for a while and they do the simple things really well. We’ve just given them basic things to try and achieve in the trial games and they’ve gone above and beyond which has been really pleasing,” Boaza said.
Key fixture: Boaza knows with the newly structured competition his side can’t afford to drop any points in the opening six matches. The Falcons made a late surge up the ladder towards the back end of the 2023 season but would be hoping to start a lot stronger and continue their momentum for their 2024 campaign. They rotate between home and away for the first six rounds and will play Ipswich in round one.
Players to watch: “I’m already a big fan of Jackson Kite who has already played some A-grade rugby league already for Beerwah, has been in the Falcons system for a while and has done his pre-season training with the senior squad. He’s a really strong runner of the ball, is a great defender and then there’s another young bloke Kai Porter who has come over from rugby union. He played five-eight and was outstanding in our first trial so he is still learning the game but is making a good fist of it. Jai Bowden is our hooker, he’s got a broken wrist at the moment so will miss the opening rounds but he’s a Harry Grant mould and very promising. Two others that have been impressive are have really developed in the past few years are Tyrell Hopkins and Jaelym Hohaia which is exciting.,” Boaza said.
The squad:
Fullbacks: Ben Waters
Wingers: Kallum Murphy, Clive McCormack, CJ Toye
Centres: Joe Meikle, Jaelym Hohaia, Cody Rowe, Liam Smith
Halves: James Marriott, Finn Lawson, Zeke Monckton, Callum Ballantyne, Kai Porter
Hookers: Bayden Hales, Taij Roberts, Tait Coghlan, Jai Bowden
Second Row: Jackson Kite, Tyrell Hopkins, Danny Payne, Ethan Yarrow, Casio Williams
Locks: Mitch Bebbington
Front Row: Cooper Clarke, Douglas Snell, Tyler Te Tana, Riley Jervis, Blaine Watson, Zarley Hodges
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Captain: TBC
Coach: Luke Harlen
Last season: 2nd (Grand final defeat after undefeated regular season)
Why they will be competitive: “They’re really close-knit at the moment,” coach Luke Harlen said.
“They were pretty quiet at the start but as the pre-season has gone on they’ve started to connect and get to know each other really well. There are some really good characters in the team and from what we’ve seen in the opposed session against the Cup boys they’ve been working hard. Our outside backs are pretty strong.”
Key fixture: All games will be as important as the other in 2024 for the Blackhawks, Harlen said.
Players to watch
Logan Brookes: Brookes has got brilliant footwork complemented by speed and agility. The former junior half is capable at the position but shapes as the team’s starting fullback where his gamebreaking running ability can make the greatest impact.
Tekelu Mene: Supremely athletic. A strong ball-carrier and smart defensive reader. Big, strong and powerful, this Torres Strait Islands product was a tryscoring force from anywhere on the field for Ignatius Park College in 2022. His hitting ability will see him deployed into the centres.
Jayden Svager: Harlen rates highly the front row recruit, who he said followed Blackhawks Queensland Cup coach Terry Campese to Townsville from Canberra this season. Svager didn’t play in the first trial but is a genuine “big unit” whose performances at training indicate he is primed for a stellar season.
Final Squad
Fullbacks: Logan Brookes, Jack Prior (also centre), Ben Roebuck (also half)
Outside backs: Davidson Benioni, Iowani Cavuilati Jr, Anthony Iorangi (also utility), Patty Krause, Tekelu Mene, Rayzarlin Pearson
Halves: Marcus Bell, Lachlan Erba, Hayde Munro, Kynan Purdy
Hookers: Hoani Harris, Ethan Rains, Colby Thomson, Jack Wood (also middle)
Middle forwards: Jack Bragg (also edge), Bryce Fincham, Loranzo Fono, Nelson Kennedy, Ashden Laffery, Josh Macarone, Jayden Svager, Kyle Bader
Edge forwards: Max Campbell, Izaya Leedie, Lucas Liddicoat (also middle), Connor Sadler
CENTRAL QLD CAPRAS
Captain: To be announced.
Coach: Peter Rodgers.
Last season: Last season didn’t go the way of the Capras under-19s, losing all their games.
Why they will be competitive: Despite a challenging 2023, new coach Rodgers is optimistic of what his Capras side can achieve this season.
“The boys have trained a lot harder than they’ve ever trained before,” Rodgers said.
He also hopes to model the Queensland Cup’s side systems.
“There’s a fair bit of structure being introduced,” he added.
Key fixtures: Rodgers singled out the clash against Mackay as one that will prevent a significant challenge, lamenting how the side is “loaded” with Cowboys players.
Aside from that, “it’s really hard to predict, the team’s change so much at this age group,” he continued.
Players to watch: Rodgers is excited by “absolute workhorse” Carter Ford. “He will be big for us,” he said.
He also described half Isaac Walker as a real leader with good all-round kicking, passing vision.
He said Iziah Broome could be a “smokey” that’s yet to reveal himself.
“He’s just a powerful and elusive player with a lot of energy that we think we’re gonna channel,” Rodgers said.
Braelan Marsh is another name to keep an eye on.
Final Squad:
Fullbacks: Seth Carpenter, Ryder Huth.
Outside backs: Iziah Broome, Banjo Walker, Mataio Tapua Bon, Ryan Keating, Connor Guley, Calumn Denman, Cooper Broadhurst, Anasta Tamwoy
Halves: Clancy Hohn, Isaac Walker, Curtis Seirup
Hookers: Bralean Marsh, Aston Fortier, Kye McGilvray
Edge Forwards: Cooper Mackenzie, Campbell Wogand, Cruz Beazely, Sam Chick, Zach Bettiens
Middle Forwards: Simon Green, Ryan Martin, Josh Nilon, Tuma Hatley, Carter Ford, Braith Smith, Bailey Meiland, Lachlan Middleton, Matt Groves, Jake Peirce, Blayne Perese-Sukroo, Jackson Szep, Hugh Everingham
Northern Pride
Coach: Bevan Walker
Co-Captains: Lachlan Magill & Mason Kira
Why the team will be competitive in 2024:
Majority of the squad retained from a successful MMU 18 2023 season. Affiliated Cowboys players being allocated to MMU19’s in 2024.
Key fixture:
Round 1 verse Mackay
Players to watch:
Liam O’brien completed preseason with HPC squad after strong MMU18 and FNQRL 2023 season. Noah Blooranta & Lachlan Magill had strong MMU18 and FNQRL 2023 seasons.
Final squad (list by primary position):
Fullbacks: Liam O’brien, Tesharne Kapigeno, Kyan Sheppard
Outside backs (centres/wingers):
Rhys Woolcott, Jett Boggian, George Palipe, Eparama Kikau, Assariah Lenoy, Blake Morice, Reece Boyle, Jirra Twist, Aidan Caisley
Halves: Marley Helion, Jhidan Dikes, Noah Blooranta, Will England
Hookers: Braith Dowson, Gabriel Wood, Samson Giles.
Edge forwards: Lachlan Magill, Lachlan Kelly, Dylan Cunningham, Jack Rix, Jonah Raidaveta.
Middle forwards: Narason Moorcroft-Kose, Mason Kira, Wyatt Lourigan, Braithen Ketchell, Seth Stein, Cameron Nelson, Noah Dowdle, Cohen Stoute, Tyrone Williams, Kenneth Banu, Devontay Auda, Jackson Fahlstrom.
Mackay Cutters
Captain: Tenzin Contor
Coach: Andrew Battaia
Last season: It’s coach Andrew Battaia’s first season in charge at under-19 levels, having stepped up from the Cyril Connell side.
“After watching the MMC side last year I thought they performed well,” Battaia said.
“Injuries to a few key players before the season started disrupted their preparation a little bit, though they did well to finish just behind eventual grand finalists Townsville in the northern pool.”
Why they will be competitive: “We have a lot of quality players throughout our squad which gives us good depth leading into an extended season,” Battaia said.
He also lauded the tight-knit nature of his group.
“The group of players are also very close and are driven to achieve something together this year.”
Key fixtures: “We have a big rivalry with the Townsville Blackhawks, these are always hard fought games and the boys always lift for the occasion,” Battaia said.
But that won’t be the only fixture he has his eye on.
“Every game is massive for us this season, we are aiming to go deep in the competition, so every game is vitally important.”
Players to watch: Battaia believes the star duo of Xavier Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue, who came agonisingly close to leading St Pat’s to state glory in schoolboys footy last season, will be central to the Cutters under-19 success.
“(Kerrisk) is such a smart player, he takes the right option in attack every time,” Battaia said.
“He is super dangerous out of Dummy half and will recognise a run opportunity in a second.
He’s also super competitive with a real ability to lift his team when needed.”
“(Purdue) is one of the best halves I’ve ever seen come through Mackay,” he continued.
“He creates so many opportunities for players around him, but is also a deadly ball runner when he sees a chance. His on field energy is amazing as well, he seems to be everywhere.”
Battaia is also excited by classy fullback Mutua Brown.
“(He’s) lightning fast and very dangerous whenever he touches the ball, he has a great ability to get on the outside of a defender with sublime footwork, very good at ball playing and creating for his outside men as well,” Battaia said.
Final squad:
Fullbacks: Mutua Brown, Zane McKellar, Jaffahl Skillington.
Outside Backs: Tenzin Contor, Will Shears, Xavier Ranginawa, Hunter Harris, Luka Russell, Zane Elletson.
Halves: Jaxon Purdue, Bailey Venz, Harry Thorpe, Ethan Van Kerkwyk.
Hookers: Xavier Kerrisk, Braedyn Roberts, Jakob Bacon.
Edge Forwards: Travis Larner, Rory Woodall, Liam Doherty, Jordan Wyvil, Jack Thorburn.
Middle Forwards: Matty Watts, Tevita Panaia, Mason Patterson, Henry Thorpe, Tyler Shandiman, Reagan Bella, Kayne Smith, Levi Love.
BURLEIGH BEARS
Captain: Bailey McConnell
Coach: Ben Linde
Last season: 12th
Why they will be competitive: A youthful side, with over half the squad still being eligible for Mal Meninga Cup in 2025. A number of players gained valuable experience during the off season training either full-time with an NRL Squad (Jett Bryce and Coby Black) or with the Burleigh HPC squad (Bailey McConnell and Brady Turner). The squad will benefit from an experienced coaching staff comprising of head coach Ben Linde who coached the Illawara Steelers SG Ball side to a grand final in 2019, while his assistants Geoff Eggert, Will Pei, Brent McConnell have extensive coaching resumes at schoolboy and local levels.
Key fixture: – Round 2 vs Dolphins this game will give us a gauge on where we are at. Dolphins are last years grand final winners with a number or representative and contracted stars. The Dolphins will be the benchmark side along with Tweed Seagulls for the 2024 season both squads are loaded with contracted NRL players.
Players to watch:
Coby Black
Cooper Bai
Bailey McConnell
Final squad:
Fullbacks: Saxon Innes, Ray Puru
Outside backs: Ethan Bai, Phil Coates, Sunny Kama, Khai Millerd, Bailey Secombe, Zyroam Tarawa-Herlihy, Disharne Tonihi
Halves: Coby Black, Bailey McConnell, Jimi Pedlow, Tana Tuhaka, Amarni Wetini-Ngaropo
Hookers: Tama Darlington, Klay Tancred, Dorian Lotaki
Edge forwards: Jett Bryce, Phil Hakaraia-Ngamotu, Amare Milford, Max Murphy, Jye Watton, Zac Zibara
Middle forwards: Talas Abell, Cooper Bai, Waaka Hepi, Oscar Laffranchi, Austin Marsters, Sam McAllister, Teiti Sikahele, Brady Turner
WYNNUM MANLY
Captain: We haven’t selected a captain yet.
Coach: Daryl Short
Last season: 4th
Why they will be competitive:
Short is already confident in his side’s skills.
“We have a good mix of guys with experience at this level and some new to the squad,” he said.
Key fixture:
“In short, all matches are important,” Short said.
Players to watch:
Harry Armstrong - A hard working back rower who has a great attitude towards training and improving his game.
Jacob Kingston-Francis - He is coming off a good preseason and is determined to have a successful MMC campaign.
Fullbacks:
Lachlan Mastrone
Topaz Mohi
Kylem Vunipola
Charlie Johnston
Outside Backs:
Volonte Baruani
Tom Morcom
Josh Beetham
Jett Grimmond
Tariq Tanner
Jacob Kingston-Francis
Halves:
Campbell Rolfe
Larry Clark
Matthew Beerman
Levi Hawea
Xavier Kirk
Hookers:
Caden Frame
Jack Hannagan
Jack Stewart
Cameron Bukowski
Middles:
Dominic Punivalu
Dempsey Taylor
Cooper Day
Beni Allen
Harrison Schwenke
Isopo Taunuu
Jack Pascoe
Tanei Heijames
Tristan Fuatimau
Will Allen
Zane Ford
Edge:
Bailey Downs
Cayleb Johnson
Evander Tofilau
Harry Armstrong
Jaylan Fraser
SOUTHS LOGAN
Captain: The leadership group is Mou Taumaletila-Maulolo, Bailey Trew, Braden Teuila
Coach: Ben Timm
Last season: 11th (2-4)
Why they will be competitive:
Key fixture: When you are coming off an 11th placed finish in 2023, you can’t be picky about any game being a key fixture. They are all key fixtures. For confidence it would be ideal for the Magpies to notch a round 1 win against the Burleigh Bears.
Players to watch:
The tall, long striding Bailey Trew will look right at home as one of the Magpies back three this season.
Braden Teuila is a tough nut, a reliable player on the edge as either a centre or second rower.
Mou Taumaletila-Maulolo is another hard working footballer, a middle, who never takes short cuts.
Squad: Anthony Solomon, Bailey Trew, Braden Teuila, Brave Taualai, Corey Nassif, Dirhys Sefo, Elijah Brain, Harlem Tata-Paki, Israel Leota, Jackson Howe, Jake Rabarts, Javon Andrews, Jayden Solien, Kai Young, Kohen Briggs, Korrbin Ahu-Skelton, Kruz Taputoa, Kulan Watson, Kylan Dicinoski, Lachlan Offley, Lehi Thomas, Lesayne Tuiasau, Mou Taumaletila-Maulolo, Nicholas Annakin, Noah Walker, Paea Puleiku, Rene Bagon, Ryan McCann, Semurana Fepuleai, Xavier Atoa
BRISBANE TIGERS
Captain: Jack McCosker
Coach: Ben Westton
Last season: 15th
Why they will be competitive: “The key to us being competitive is our defence,’’ said coach Ben Weston. “We have to defend well, especially under pressure.’’
Key fixture: Every fixture. The Tigers were building from the ground up where the priority would not be the scoreboard, but winning each set of six battles as much as they could.
Players to watch: The Tigers could not have a better motivation man than edge forward or No.13 Jack McCosker who will lead from the front, while having a forceful running game.
Josh Tokam is a junior who will contribute heavily on the wing, both with his carries and finishing skills, while Will Quinn has his game together at fullback.
Importantly the Tigers have also secured an excellent controlling halve, goal kicking No.6 Xavier Hellyer from the Blackhawks grand final side.
Final squad: Mitch Dowling, Braiden Driscoll, Malik Elabbasi, Tommy Green, Xavier Hellyer, Ayrton Holmes, Michael Hunnisett, Elijah Keung, Joshua Lee, Jack McCosker, Hayden Miller, Bailey Neave, Vantayvius Peo, Xyon Purcell, Will Quinn, Matthew Ribot-De-Bresac, Jackson Rose, Josh Tokam.
TWEED SEAGULLS
Captain: TBA
Coach: Sam Meskell
Last season: 4 wins, 2 losses
Why they will be competitive: “We have a decent core group of players who have returned from 2023, so we have some already established combinations and we’ve been able to work on areas of improvement,” Meskell said.
“Tweed have a strong history in the Mal Meninga Cup which we will certainly be aiming to continue.”
Key fixture: “Our key matchup is always the rivalry round verse Burleigh,” Meskell said.
“This will be a big day for the club as all grades will be playing at our newly renovated Piggabeen home ground.”
Players to watch: Zane Harrison (Half), Sam Stephenson (Centre) and Ryder Williams (Half) – All three players have spent time training with both the Titans NRL squad and our Seagulls QLD Cup squad over the pre-season. We are really looking forward to them bringing some valuable experience and leadership to our team.
Final squad:
Fullbacks: Mason Barber, Josh Donovan
Outside backs: Sam Stephenson, Tyson Ploegsma, Brock Lennox, Billy Tonkin, Levi Dangerfield, Bailey Simpson
Halves: Zane Harrison, Ryder Williams, Jake Lateo, Cooper Lewis
Hookers: Jack Hudson, Cory Pearse, Braydan Wong, Chaz Bond
Edge Fwds: Junior Filimaua, Jac Finigan, Toran O’Donnell, Callum Bowles, Zac Frazer
Mid Fwds: Jack Schmidt, Zac Kumbamong, Hiawe King, Isaac Harrison, Billy Wellard, Anton Whaiapu, Roko Bilish, Ethan Schultz
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